Saline County court votes to place proposed library millage cut on November ballot after extensive public comment

The Saline County Quorum Court voted to place a measure before voters that would lower the county library’s maintenance-and-operations millage from 1.7 mills to 1.1 mills, after a lengthy public-comment period in which dozens of residents urged the court to protect library funding.

The vote, recorded as Ordinance 2026-8, passed on a roll-call tally of 10–2. The motion to place the ordinance on the ballot was made by Justice Curtis and seconded by Justice Bellinger; roll call reflected 10 yes votes and two no votes (Justices Chisum and Bisby recorded as opposed).

Residents who addressed the court described the library as a core public resource that provides internet access, childhood literacy programs, workforce services and community meeting space. “A library is really a promise,” said Gretchen Betcher, introduced as a former librarian and retired teacher, arguing that cuts would weaken services for children, seniors and job-seekers. Richard Harris, a Saline County resident, told the court that the proposed reduction would “gut” the public library system and said elected officials should consider long-term impacts on access to knowledge.

Several speakers challenged the county’s presentation of the growth rate used to justify the change. Lisa Berggren urged greater transparency about how the county calculated a 6.9% growth rate and asked the court to present multiple forecasts instead of a single, recent five‑year average. “Putting this decision to the voters does not remove your own accountability,” Berggren said, calling for fuller documentation of assumptions and alternative scenarios.

Supporters of placing the question on the ballot, including several justices, argued that rising property values and accumulated reserves mean voters should decide whether to lower the millage. Justice Kraussen said the county’s property values and cash reserves have grown substantially and described sending the question to voters as “good stewardship.” Several justices emphasized that, under Amendment 38, the millage revenues are restricted to library operations and maintenance.

Court members debated whether the change would be a temporary reduction until the next reappraisal or a sustained cut in services; opponents warned that a drop from 1.7 to 1.1 mills represents roughly a one-third reduction in library funding over time and could lead to reduced hours, staff layoffs and fewer programs. Several commenters and justices noted the library system currently holds a reserve balance; proponents said those reserves could smooth any short-term budget impact.

The ordinance will appear on the November ballot. The court did not adopt any amendment at the meeting; the action was limited to placing the question before voters. The court then moved to other business and adjourned.

Ordinance referenced: Exhibit B / Ordinance 2026-8 (title read to submit to voters the question of adjusting the library millage from 1.7 mills to 1.1 mills).