By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Public Library’s proposed 2024 budget took its first step towards finalization this week, marking the beginning of the City of Tomahawk’s process of completing its financial plan for next year.
The library’s budget proposal was unanimously approved by the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee during its meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, June 27.
The library has recently operated below its proposed yearly budgets, according to the proposal.
For 2024, a total of $470,271.02 in expenditures is budgeted, a roughly $15,800.00 increase from this year.
The library has requested a total of $207,000.00 in property tax funds from the city, an increase of $4,720.00 (2.33%) from 2023.
Along with city dollars, the library also receives library aid funds from Lincoln, Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor counties. For 2024, the library is seeking a total of about $256,000.00 in library aid funds, with the majority – $218,900.00 – requested from Lincoln County, $8,000.00 more than it received from the county this year.
Fines and fees, as well as grants and memorials, also contribute to the library’s budget.
The library typically seeks the city’s approval of its proposed spending plan before getting the OK from other entities that provide funding.
With the green light from the Finance Committee, the proposal is slated to be sent to the City of Tomahawk Common Council for review.
“The Tomahawk Public Library provides service to all individuals in the community,” the budget proposal stated. “Its objectives include the provision of books and other materials selected to aid the individual in the pursuit of education, information, pleasure or research, and in use of leisure time.”
The budget proposal said the library offers books, magazines, audiobooks, Wonderbooks, comic books, graphic novels, Tonies, STEAM bins, learning games, magna-tiles, launchpads, e-materials, microfilm, movies, music, computer stations, hotspots and free 24-hour wi-fi, with in-person and passive programs for all ages.