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Library asks Williams Township for $21,000 in 2025 funding; supervisors note $20,000 in budget
Summary
A library representative requested $21,000 from Williams Township for its 2025 budget to meet state-required material spending and rising costs; a library board member described program expansions and a need to replace a failing handicap ramp. Supervisors said $20,000 is already budgeted and will review rental and ramp cost estimates.
A library representative told the board the library’s proposed 2025 budget requests $21,000 from Williams Township to help cover operating cost increases and to meet Pennsylvania’s statutory requirement that libraries spend 12% of their budgets on materials to maintain state aid (the presenter said state aid currently amounts to about $50,000 a year).
A library board member, Beverly Lewis, identified herself and described expanded programming (computer classes, tax services, children’s programs), fundraising (a book fair that raised about $3,200 and bus trips bringing $800–$1,000 each), and a pressing need to replace an aging handicap ramp that is in disrepair. Staff said they are seeking contractor estimates and that the township currently has $20,000 in the budget as a donation line for the library; the board asked staff to return with rent/price information and ramp cost estimates so members could consider additional funding.
The presenter emphasized that some staff currently on Medicare temporarily reduce insurance costs, softening near-term budget pressure, but warned that insurance and other uncontrollable costs push up required collection spending under the state code. The board did not take immediate funding action beyond noting the existing $20,000 line in the 2025 budget and asking for follow-up details.
