Library Funding and Staff Wages
Summary
Library workers described wages so low many work second jobs or left the city, asking the council to double the library's increase to 10%. The amendment failed 4-4 after opponents cited ongoing union negotiations and the council's inability to direct how the money would be spent.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
The failed amendment would have added roughly $257,000 beyond the 5% increase already in the budget.
Library workers and patrons would have benefited from the increase; the library itself received a 5% increase.
Library workers who testified to wages below a sustainable living level.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Jun 1, 2026
Library workers described wages so low many work second jobs or left the city, asking the council to double the library's increase to 10%. The amendment failed 4-4 after opponents cited ongoing union negotiations and the council's inability to direct how the money would be spent.
Finance Committee - May 7, 2026
Library workers told the committee the proposed 5% increase continues years of wages falling behind inflation — the current starting wage of $20.48 is below the inflation-adjusted 2018 starting wage. They asked for a larger allocation.
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