Council trims parks, depot and other community support; library appeal for funding draws attention

Keokuk’s council approved several cuts to community programs and discretionary services as part of its effort to narrow a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar portion of the general‑fund gap.

During public comment, Angela Gates, speaking for Keokuk Public Library staff, said the library is already down four positions from pre‑COVID staffing and appealed to the council not to make further cuts that would reduce hours, programs and free services for residents in need. “If we cut library funding further, we’re not trimming luxuries. We’re cutting open hours. We’re cutting programs. We’re cutting access,” she said.

Councilors discussed multiple targeted reductions and reallocations:

• Non‑general funds: The council approved staff recommendations for non‑general funds, but accepted an amendment to remove a planned $75,000 tool‑cat (Bobcat‑style) purchase from the capital improvement fund. The amendment passed on roll call and the remainder of the non‑general fund package was approved.

• Parks mowing: Council approved a $35,000 reduction in contracted mowing and discussed a higher cut as a future option if needed. Staff said deeper reductions would require hard choices about where to prioritize mowing and would increase use of city crews.

• Union Depot: Council voted to eliminate the roughly $8,000 in annual city support for Union Depot operational costs (utilities, security, mowing). Members noted the building’s recent rehab and potential fundraising to cover services, and some suggested splitting responsibilities or encouraging the Depot’s nonprofit to seek matching grants.

• Arts and community groups: Council considered and rejected a short proposal to restore small amounts to several local arts groups for lack of a second; later motions adjusted the top‑tier cuts to preserve modest funding for some entities.

Library funding remained contentious: council considered several alternatives (reducing the proposed library cut from $100,000 to $60,000, then to $50,000), and ultimately tabled a final decision pending additional review.

What happens next: Staff will incorporate these program cuts into the budget model, quantify net savings and report back. Council indicated it would re‑visit tabled items (including the library reduction) as the remaining gaps are addressed and as state legislative decisions that affect local revenue become clearer.