Budget committee approves Klamath County Library Service District budget after public praise
April 29, 2026 | Klamath County, Oregon
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Natalie Nebu, who introduced herself as the library/labor director for the Klamath County Library Service District, presented the district’s FY27 operating and reserve plans and answered questions during a public hearing April 28. Nebu said the district operates 11 locations, provides free Wi‑Fi and public computers across branches, and recorded substantial use in 2025: about 361,800 physical circulations, 81,351 digital items, and roughly 231,000 visits.
Nebu outlined district priorities for the 2026–27 budget cycle: facility maintenance and improvements, technology replacement, community programming, partnerships and collection development. A community courtyard project supported by a matching grant and library‑foundation contribution was described as a major reserve investment, with construction anticipated in late spring 2026. The district budgeted $670,000 in reserve expenditures that Nebu described as allocated roughly as $10,000 for building maintenance, $120,000 for grounds, $80,000 for computer replacement, and $460,000 for facility improvements tied to the courtyard project.
During public comment, Elaine (a resident and library volunteer) urged the committee to support the library’s budget, describing the facility as a community center with programs ranging from children’s story hours to teen activities. Ken Bast, identified as chair of the library foundation, also praised branch usage and asked the committee to continue funding the system.
The budget committee moved to approve the Klamath County Library Service District budget for fiscal year 2627 (the record lists the budget sum as stated in the hearing). The committee also approved the imposition of the district ad valorem tax at the rate and estimated fiscal impact recorded in the hearing. The motions were seconded and passed with vocal assent; the transcript does not include a roll‑call tally by name.
Next steps: staff will finalize the adopted budget documents and tax certification for the library district.
Nebu outlined district priorities for the 2026–27 budget cycle: facility maintenance and improvements, technology replacement, community programming, partnerships and collection development. A community courtyard project supported by a matching grant and library‑foundation contribution was described as a major reserve investment, with construction anticipated in late spring 2026. The district budgeted $670,000 in reserve expenditures that Nebu described as allocated roughly as $10,000 for building maintenance, $120,000 for grounds, $80,000 for computer replacement, and $460,000 for facility improvements tied to the courtyard project.
During public comment, Elaine (a resident and library volunteer) urged the committee to support the library’s budget, describing the facility as a community center with programs ranging from children’s story hours to teen activities. Ken Bast, identified as chair of the library foundation, also praised branch usage and asked the committee to continue funding the system.
The budget committee moved to approve the Klamath County Library Service District budget for fiscal year 2627 (the record lists the budget sum as stated in the hearing). The committee also approved the imposition of the district ad valorem tax at the rate and estimated fiscal impact recorded in the hearing. The motions were seconded and passed with vocal assent; the transcript does not include a roll‑call tally by name.
Next steps: staff will finalize the adopted budget documents and tax certification for the library district.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
