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Residents urge Winona County to protect library services; commissioners ask SELCO for more information
Summary
Public commenters told the Winona County Board that libraries are essential community infrastructure and urged the board to avoid cutting funding; the board agreed to seek more information from SELCO about how regional library funds are distributed and signaled willingness to consider a temporary freeze while staff provide data.
Several residents urged the Winona County Board on Tuesday to preserve library funding and to hear public input before decisions are finalized.
Katrina Hurley, who identified herself as a community and economic development staff member for the City of Saint Charles, told commissioners that “the purpose of public engagement is not to wait until after the decision has been made.” She described libraries as social infrastructure that provide internet access, loan Wi‑Fi hotspots, and help residents with job applications and resumes, and said Saint Charles will provide a packet of usage numbers showing how library staff stretch limited dollars.
Mary Farrell, a board member and secretary for the Friends of the Winona Public Library, said the group’s response to the proposed cuts was proactive and supported freezing the county contribution while the board reviews the matter. “I am in favor of those discussions and in favor of those freezes,” Farrell said.
Other commenters described libraries as free, safe community spaces that support story times, book clubs and services for families who otherwise lack access to internet or programming. Adam Gaffey of Goodview said libraries “are a foundation of a society” and urged the board to keep services intact to support literacy.
After public comment, the board moved the library funding discussion to the committee-of-the-board and agreed to ask staff to invite SELCO to present how it distributes regional library funds. Commissioners requested written questions to give SELCO in advance so the presentation can address allocation formulas and whether a temporary freeze of county disbursements is feasible.
The committee discussion emphasized the need for clear numbers: commissioners asked staff to include comparisons of per‑capita contributions and the distribution formula so the board can weigh regional equity, tax impacts and operational consequences for local branches.
The committee did not take a final vote on funding; instead it requested additional information from SELCO and directed staff to schedule a focused presentation and Q&A.
