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Shepherd Memorial Library requests 4% operating increase and capital start for 10‑year facility plan
Summary
Shepherd Memorial Library requested a 4% increase in city funding for FY26–27 (about $1.57 million) and a $133,333 capital appropriation to begin a long‑term facility plan that includes restrooms, parking renewal and expansion of the children's area.
Shepherd Memorial Library board chair Rick Smiley and Director Roman Larry presented the library’s FY26–27 budget request to council on May 14, asking for a 4% increase in operating support from the city and a $133,333 capital allocation to begin phase one of a 10‑year facility improvement plan.
Larry told council that last year the library had 248,255 visits across branches, nearly 48,000 active users, and more than 354,000 items checked out. The capital request is intended to begin repairs identified in a recently completed facilities study and to fund high‑priority public-facing improvements—refreshed public restrooms, parking-lot renewal and a children’s-area expansion—many to be completed in the run-up to the library’s centennial in 2030. He said the library also plans to apply reserve funds and seek philanthropic and county matches (library leadership requested a matching 4% county increase under the usual two-county funding framework).
Council members praised library services and noted the request was included in the city manager’s proposed budget materials for consideration.
