Library board raises nonresident borrower fee to $150 a year

The Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees voted to raise the annual nonresident borrower card fee to $150 per year.

Trustees discussed the formula used to calculate the prior $114 fee — tied to levy rates and median home values — and compared nearby jurisdictions. A board member noted that Meridian charges substantially more and that Boise’s fee has also increased recently. Staff reported the library has relatively few nonresident cardholders; one trustee estimated "20, 25" cardholders. In the discussion trustees cited access to the library’s digital collection as a key difference that can justify a higher fee.

Board members debated the public response and administrative burden of a higher fee. A trustee who proposed the change argued the increase is justifiable if the board can explain the median-household basis and the services nonresidents receive. The motion to raise the fee to $150 passed unanimously.

The board’s action followed staff explanations about levy-rate mechanics and how property-value changes affect tax-derived revenues. The motion was recorded as passed and the fee will be updated in library policy and billing procedures.