Monday, AUGUST 11, 2025 |
Photo – Library Funding Chart – Courtesy Carbon County Library System
Following a 53% budget cut, the Carbon County Library System is warning patrons to expect reduced hours and services at local branches.
The property tax relief bills passed by the Wyoming State Legislature this past March, including the 25% cut on all residential properties, have significantly impacted the budget of Carbon County. Speaking at the June 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones said due to those property tax measures, the county is facing a $500,000 shortfall this fiscal year. Commissioner Jones said the county has been forced to drastically cut back on spending, specifically for outside agencies, such as senior centers and libraries.
All county-funded agencies have taken a financial hit this fiscal year, with the Carbon County Library System reporting a 53% budget cut, going from $350,972 last year to $164,462 in 2025.
At the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Carbon County Library System Board member Adelaide Myers warned that municipalities will soon feel the impact of the reduced budget. Myers said even the Saratoga Library, the county’s second most visited branch after Rawlins, is not immune to the consequences.
The Carbon County Library System website warns users to expect reduced hours and services at their local branch as the Library Board works to raise money. According to the website, the Board remains committed to doing everything possible to prevent closures. However, closing one or more branches has not been ruled out.
The Library Board states that it must raise $164,000 to keep the entire library system operating as usual.
Speaking at the June 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jone encouraged residents to donate the money they saved on their property taxes to local services, including their library branches.
The Library System’s website states that the Board is doing all it can to raise money despite having no marketing budget and choosing not to spend its limited resources on large events, adding that very dollar donated is an investment in your community.
Donations to the Carbon County Library System can be made online at carbonlibraries.org.
