Library director outlines proposed budget increases, seeks to reinstate book purchasing

The library presenter told the meeting at 10:15 that the library is seeking modest increases to several line items and asked commissioners to reinstate a book budget that has been paused in recent years. “I did send this to null as well. It has what we've spent up to today,” the presenter said, summarizing current FY26 spending and the items submitted for the coming year.

Why it matters: The presenter proposed targeted increases—including $1,000 for office supplies to cover paper and ink, roughly $2,400 for copier contract charges serving Eureka and Libby branches, and a reinstated average book-purchasing line (roughly $10,000 based on a three‑year average)—that would restore collection purchases and summer programming capacity. She also recommended a $2,500 increase for recreational/programming supplies to support summer reading and speaker fees.

Details and context: The presenter said technology and hosting costs are rising (including a state platform cost‑share increase of about 4 percent) and flagged utilities: the library has spent about $17,000 of a $25,000 utilities budget this year and expects to approach the budgeted amount across three buildings. Repairs and maintenance have been paid out of separate accounts this year; the presenter warned that if those funds remain cut, the county may need to renegotiate memorandums of understanding to cover building repairs.

Commissioners asked for clarification on the total net increase given pending wage and insurance figures that were not yet available from Dallas. The presenter said wages and insurance were not included in the detailed subtotal because the library had not yet received those numbers; commissioners agreed to reconcile final totals offline.

The meeting recessed to the next budget item after the exchange; no formal vote was taken on the library budget during this session.