March 18th 2026 |
Photo – File Photo
Hanna officials, citing a lack of information, chose not to increase the town’s contribution to the local library.
Last year’s property tax relief programs significantly reduced local government revenue across the state. Counties and municipalities use property taxes to fund public services, including police and road maintenance. Carbon County officials reported losing more than $900,000 in property tax revenue in the 2025 through 2026 fiscal year. To manage the shortfall, the county cut funding across the board, including outside agencies such as museums and senior centers.
County commissioners cut the budget for the Carbon County Library System by 53 percent. Following the cut, Library Board members approached municipalities and requested donations to supplement operational costs. Most towns already provide water, sewer, and snow removal to their branches. Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers said the Board appreciates those services. However, the contributions don’t affect the Library System’s budget because building maintenance falls to the county, which owns most of the library buildings.
Due to the reduced budget, the Hanna and Medicine branches were set to close in November. However, a last-minute donation of $7,500 from PacifiCorp, a $9,000 grant from the Wyoming Intertie Community Investment Program, and a $9,000 match from the Carbon County Library Foundation saved both branches from immediate closure. The Town of Medicine Bow also received $3,000 from the United Methodist Church specifically for the town’s branch.
The Medicine Bow Town Council chose to use the town’s share of the donations and grant funding to keep its branch open one day a week until next March. The Hanna Library is open two days a week and, having received less money, was set to close this May. Speaking at the January 13th Hanna Town Council meeting, Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers asked the governing body to contribute $3,460 to keep the branch open until the next fiscal year, which begins in July. Myers said she was hopeful that at that point, the state legislature would backfill some of the lost property tax revenue, allowing the county to increase its financial support back to previous levels. Alternatively, the town could contribute $17,000 to cover staffing costs into the next fiscal year.
Hanna Mayor Charlie George requested traffic data and operational costs for the town’s library before the Council decides whether to cut hours or increase funding. Myers said she would provide the information later.
During the March 10th Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales announced that the Carbon County Library Board still had not provided the requested traffic data. Clerk Gonzales added that the Board is seeking a commitment from the town as it begins its annual budget‑setting process.
Councilman Sam Sikes asked how much money the town currently gives to the Hanna Library. Treasurer Ann Calvert said that between donations of gas, water, and sewer service, the town contributes roughly $3,000 a year. Treasurer Calvert added that the Library Board is asking for another $3,000, which would only keep the branch open until summer.
Mayor George said the Library Board explained that the town’s utility contributions don’t affect the Library System’s budget. However, the Board has failed to clarify exactly how much the Hanna branch costs to operate.
Mayor George added that he expects to see those numbers once the Library System begins its budget cycle. Councilman David Felix said without that information, the town can’t determine how much money the library needs to stay open. Clerk Gonzales said the Library Board is seeking a financial commitment from the town.
Mayor George suggested holding off on a commitment until the governing body receives the requested cost and traffic figures. Council members Felix and Sikes agreed that the town should wait for those numbers before making a decision.
The Hanna Town Council agreed not to pledge any additional support to the local branch until it receives more information from the Carbon County Library Board.
