Council affirms library funding and certifies county tax-exemption level

During public comment, a resident (Megan Locke) asked the city to continue strong support for the Waukesha Public Library, citing growing engagement and the 20th-anniversary Waukesha Reads program. James Wigerson also spoke in favor of libraries' community role.

At the councils agenda item, Bruce Gay, the library director, explained the city must certify to Waukesha County that the citys 2027 library levy/expenditures will exceed a floor of $2,234,056; he noted the librarys operating budget typically runs around $2.9 million. Alderperson Helgastad moved that the council make the certification; the motion was seconded and passed 12-1 on roll-call.

Separately, the council reinstated $50,000 in CIP funding for a library locker project to replace failing hardware and expand 24-hour access to materials; Alderperson Helgastad said the unit saves staff time and increases access for residents who cannot use library hours. The revised CIP totals reflect the amendment and were adopted later in the meeting.

The library board report also noted a 15% increase in summer-reading participation and reminded the council of Waukesha Reads events beginning Sept. 8 and related programming.