During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the library's budget request and the challenges of staff compensation. The library is seeking a budget increase of 1.77% to maintain current services, a decision influenced by healthy reserves. However, concerns were raised about low wages for frontline staff, with library assistants starting at $13.17 per hour and branch librarians at $16.19.

The library is facing difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, prompting upcoming union negotiations aimed at addressing wage issues. While the current budget request does not reflect potential salary increases, officials anticipate that future requests for 2026 and 2027 may need to account for these changes.

One board member emphasized the importance of competitive compensation, noting that the library's services benefit the entire county. The discussion highlighted the need for a collaborative approach among all participants to address salary concerns effectively.

In addition to the budget discussions, the meeting included an update on the Family Resource Center project, with representatives from Creating Community Consulting providing insights into its progress. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance community services while navigating financial and staffing challenges.