Saratoga Library Requests More Financial Support from Town

APRIL 17, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga Branch Library – Courtesy Carbon County Library website

The Saratoga branch of the Carbon County Library System is asking the town to contribute more money because of upcoming budget cuts.

During Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting, Carbon County Library System Board of Directors member Adelaide Myers explained that recently passed property relief measures will have negative impacts on the library’s budget. Myers said the board anticipates losing at least 10% of its funding in the upcoming fiscal year.

Myers provided a breakdown of how the Saratoga Library is funded. The Board of Directors member explained that the county covers specific utilities and maintenance for the library building. The town of Saratoga donates its utility costs, such as water and sewer, a gesture that is greatly appreciated by the Library Board.

Myers said the Saratoga Library also receives funding from both Carbon County School Districts and the Saratoga arm of the Carbon County Friends of the Library Foundation.

Despite those funding sources, Myers reported that the property tax cuts will have a significant impact on the library’s finances. With that in mind, the Board of Directors member asked the town council to consider providing additional financial support to the Saratoga Library. Myers suggested having the town pay for phone and internet access, which directly benefits Saratoga residents.

Myers said if the town of Saratoga is unwilling to pay for internet services at the library, perhaps the town could instead cover office supplies, such as printer paper and ink.

The governing body could choose to assume responsibility for a county utility expense, such as electricity, Myers added. The financial assistance would reduce the overall cost for the county.

Myers said the Board of Directors may then request the savings to be added to the Library System’s annual budget.

Myers recommended that the town of Saratoga cover either the cost of phone and internet services or office supplies for the Saratoga Library.

Mayor Chuck Davis said he is not opposed to contributing more to the town’s library. The council will take the Carbon County Library System’s funding requests into consideration during upcoming budget setting meetings.