Sawyer County board adopts resolution to set predictable funding formula for Weiss and Winter libraries

The Sawyer County board unanimously passed a resolution to formalize county support for the Weiss and Winter libraries, moving to the greater of 150% of the statutory circulation formula or 102% of the previous year’s allocation, with an annual 2.5% increase.

Mike, the member who presented the proposal, said the intent was to remove emotional spikes from budget decisions and give libraries predictable annual growth. “What it would be is the greater of a 150% of circulation… or a 102% of the previous year's allocation,” he said while explaining the mechanics and expected annual 2.5% upward adjustment.

Supporters noted the county already funds Weiss at roughly 200% of the circulation-based requirement and said the resolution would codify baseline support rather than risk arbitrary large increases at final budgeting. One member raised that some libraries are also supported by municipalities and that the county’s role varies by locality; Mike said the Northern Waters Library consortium in Ashland is handled separately and would not be covered by this resolution.

Stacy Hessel moved to adopt the resolution; it was seconded and the board approved the motion by voice vote (chair called for “Aye;” no opposition was recorded). The chair directed that signatures be collected on the resolution to advance it.

Board members discussed whether the same formulaic approach should be offered for other entities (members suggested the senior center and Namakagon transit could be considered in future agenda items). The board set the next meeting for Aug. 13.

Details: Motion to “pass the resolution for the library” was moved by Stacy Hessel and seconded (announced as Mark Helwig). The vote was taken by voice; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the minutes.