The Pella Grade Library Advisory Board approved two new policies supporting the library's expanding services and heard a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during its May 26 meeting. City Finance Director Charity Van Kirk presented the budget proposal, which projects total library expenses of approximately $845,000, with 80 percent covering salaries and benefits. Van Kirk noted that the library's projected tax revenue of $320,000 does not cover building operating costs alone, with the county contributing $230,000 annually and the general fund transferring $613,000. She explained that the tax levy calculation changed last year to a set dollar amount rather than a set mill rate, with increases capped at the average inflation rate over three years (capped at 4 percent). This year's allowable increase totaled 2.97 percent, adding $9,220 in revenue. Council Representative Jason Guffey asked whether the budget included funding for an additional full-time employee; Library Director Alina Purnian confirmed it does not.
The board unanimously approved a liability waiver for the library's expanding makerspace, which includes a 3D printer, sewing machines, Cricut machines, and planned laser cutter and scanner. Staff also presented and the board unanimously approved the Library of Things policy, governing a collection that includes eight donated guitars, a snare drum, karaoke machine, and lawn games. Borrowing is limited to two items per person for Belgrade cardholders, with late fees capped at $10 and replacement costs limited to $500.
Staff presented summer programming running June 12 through August 8, featuring science camps, a Dad's Hair Camp partnership with Bozeman Academy of Cosmetology, a rock-hounding roadshow, and two Humanities Montana events. The library has secured summer funding totaling approximately $24,700 from various community sources. The board also learned that longtime outreach aide Bob Schneider is retiring in June with no replacement plan yet in place.