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Reinbeck council boosts library funding to $165,000 as construction begins, leaving General Fund shortfall
Summary
The Reinbeck City Council approved increasing the library's FY2027 budget to $165,000 and heard that library construction will begin Feb. 9, requiring alternate patron access; council acknowledged the city faces a roughly $65,000 General Fund deficit that will be covered from reserves.
The Reinbeck City Council on Feb. 2 approved increasing the library's FY2027 budget to $165,000 after library representatives said the previously approved $140,000 would not meet operating needs. The council voted 5–0 to permit the larger allocation while asking the library to reduce proposed salary increases to 2.8 percent, matching the city’s approved salary guideline.
Lenah, speaking for the library board, told the council that construction on the library would begin Feb. 9 and that the Clark Street door will be closed during work; patrons will use the Blackhawk Street entrance, which is not handicap accessible, so the library will provide curbside pickup and local deliveries. The board indicated it will adjust staffing and other line items to fit the approved funding level.
Council discussion placed the decision against broader budget constraints. City staff reported General Fund budgeted expenses for FY2027 of $947,230 and projected revenues of $882,699, leaving an estimated deficit of about $65,000 that the city plans to draw from General Fund reserves. Council members noted the General Fund's levy rate is at the maximum $8.50500 rate allowed, limiting revenue-raising options and prompting work on a Capital Improvement Plan to identify longer-term revenue or cost changes.
Pease moved to approve the library budget increase and Johnson seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with councilmembers Wambold, Pease, Johnson, Trepp and Bueghly voting aye. The council set a Budget Amendment Hearing for March 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. and the Property Tax Levy Hearing for April 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. as part of the timetable for finalizing FY2027 numbers.
The council also approved continuing the library's planned project access arrangements and instructed staff to work with the library on any procedural or accessibility accommodations during construction. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
