Library directors ask county to continue funding above statutory 70% to preserve outreach

Amanda Zoellner, president of the Oneida County Library Board, and directors Virginia Roberts (Rhinelander), Jill Roth (Three Lakes) and Kelly Raddatz (Minocqua) presented the board’s 2027 request and explained how county reimbursement is calculated. Roberts explained that the county is statutorily required to reimburse 70% of library costs, and that the board has historically reimbursed at higher rates to support outreach; she said a discontinued mobile library reduced outreach capacity.

Chairman Fried questioned differences in circulation costs and why libraries requested funding above the 70% statutory minimum. Committee member Scott Holewinski asked for a breakdown by municipality of library cardholders, circulations and outreach/room use in advance of the October budget hearings. The committee approved forwarding the $504,559 request to the hearings (Fried/Hess).