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Sawyer County committee forwards library funding resolution to full board
Summary
The UW-Extension committee voted to send a resolution to the full Sawyer County board that sets a predictable two-part funding formula for the Weis and Winter libraries: a circulation-based allocation (70% weighting) and a guaranteed 2.5% annual increase, with libraries to receive the greater of the two.
The Sawyer County UW-Extension Committee voted to send a resolution to the full county board that would set a predictable funding formula for the Weis and Winter libraries.
A committee member presenting the proposal described it as a two-part formula aimed at removing emotional disputes from budget talks: a calculated allocation with a 70% weight tied to circulation within Sawyer County, plus a guaranteed 2.5% annual increase. Under the proposal, the libraries would receive whichever amount — the calculated allocation or the 2.5% increase — is greater.
The presenter said the change is intended to provide the libraries a reliable baseline while giving the county predictable budget exposure. "So that's what I'm recommending," the presenter said when concluding his overview of the formula.
Anne Larson, director of the Sherman and Ruth Weis Community Library, thanked the committee and warned about capital needs if the baseline proved insufficient. Larson highlighted recent program growth: "This year, we have a 21% increase in registrations with 356 people currently registered compared to 295 registered at the same time last year," she said. She also told the committee the library had secured a $33,000 Hilsman grant to install three study pods and a $1,000 Penguin publishing grant for outreach, and that community fundraising events had returned roughly $5,300 in profit.
A committee member moved to forward the resolution to the full board and the motion carried on a voice vote. Committee discussion indicated members hope the formula reduces contentious appeals and provides a clearer budget baseline for future capital requests.
The resolution will be considered at the full Sawyer County board; committee members warned there may be debate at that meeting and encouraged supporters to be prepared to explain their votes.
