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Committee approves library funding formula, directors warn of capital needs
Summary
A Sawyer County committee voted to send a resolution to the full board that sets a predictable funding formula for the Weis and Winter libraries (the greater of a circulation-based share or a 2.5% annual increase). Library director Anne Larson reported rising use and said capital needs remain a concern.
A Sawyer County committee voted to refer a resolution to the full county board that sets a predictable funding formula for the Weis and Winter libraries.
The committee approved sending the resolution by voice vote after a preview from a committee member known in the meeting as Mike, who said the formula would use two calculations and provide libraries the greater outcome: a circulation-based share tied to 70% of in-county circulation for each library or a guaranteed 2.5% annual increase on the previous year. "I wanted to try to take some of that emotion out of it," Mike said, explaining the goal was to remove recurring accusations that the board does not support libraries.
The resolution was moved and seconded and approved by the committee; it will go to the full board for final action.
Why it matters: library leaders said predictable funding helps with planning but warned that capital and maintenance needs often exceed routine budget increases. Anne Larson, director of the Sherman and Ruth Weis Community Library, thanked the committee for the support and described 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 also reported about $5,300 in net fundraising and a $33,000 Hilsman grant to install three study pods.
Larson urged the committee to note capital and infrastructure issues in planning discussions: she described ongoing maintenance on a library pier and walking boards and said the library plans an airflow evaluation after heavy winter ice. She also presented an updated estimate of library value, saying last year's ROI estimate of about $2.1 million is now about $4.1 million.
Public comment before the vote raised related concerns about county support and planning. Resident Linda Zillmer urged the committee to allow public input and a survey to assess UW Extension services and to consider how libraries budget for fixed versus capital expenses. "What is your base point? What is your starting point? And how will you allow for future capital projects that will exceed your rates of increase?" she asked.
What happens next: the resolution will be taken up at the full county board meeting; committee members were warned to expect discussion there and to be prepared to explain their votes.
