Our Mission:

Grand County Libraries: linking people to boundless opportunities.

Our Motto:

Mountain Libraries Elevate Minds

Our Purpose:

• Curate valuable resources and services for every user to foster lifelong connections to the library
• Make our diverse collections, expertise, and services available when, where, and how users need them
• Be an essential service for our community

How is the library funded?

In 1994, voters approved a 2.41 mill levy to establish Grand County Library District.  The library district has experienced declining revenues since 2011 with property values declining county wide.  Based on the 2016 assessment being down another 3% from 2015, the district continues to streamline processes, further reduce spending, and set reserve limits all for the goal of achieving a balanced budget.  In November, voters approved at .95 addition to the 2.41 mill levy to increase the total mill levy to 3.36 in an effort to reduce district debt by paying off the certificates of participation ten years early.  The increase of .95 to the mill levy will expire in 2026 and the 2.41 mill levy will remain for operations.

2023 Budget Message:

The Board of Trustees of the Grand County Library District (“the District”) in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Budget Law hereby submits the following budget message with the accompanying 2023 budget.

The District’s 2023 budget marks the 29th year of operation as a Special District. Our operations continue to provide the best possible library services for residents and visitors within the District’s boundaries (Grand County), consistent with available resources and the GCLD Mission Statement, Grand County Libraries: linking people to boundless opportunities. Our library services include: loaning of materials, reference information service, public computer and wireless access service, youth and adult programming, community room use, and remote catalog access—all free of charge.

Our primary source of revenue continues to be property taxes generated by the District’s voter-approved mill levy of 3.36.

The District’s 2023 budget was prepared based on the modified accrual budgetary basis of accounting. The District’s revenues are recognized when they become measurable and available as net current assets. Taxpayer-assessed income is considered “measurable” when in the hands of the intermediary collecting government and is recognized as revenue at that time.

Some of the District’s 2023 budget highlights:

• The district’s assessed valuation increased .23% over 2021, which marks the fifth year in a row recording growth.
• Revenues are budgeted $78,279 more than 2022 due to property value increases county wide as well as increases to rental income and in-kind contribution with Grand County Public Health and Mountain Family Center.
• Friends of Grand County Library District have made a budget commitment of $22,100 in support of the district’s Summer Reading Program.
• Grand County Library Foundation has continued operational expenses of $8,455 with $2,000 budgeted to be transferred to the District’s operating fund.
• The budget allows for an 29% increase to personnel for wage adjustments in light of salary analysis and updated pay grade scale. This also includes funds for increases costs in travel, benefits, and number of employees. Additionally, funding is available for pay at midpoint rather than entry for vacancy vulnerability in hiring potential.
• Merit awards for performance demonstrated in 2022 are budgeted at $98,054 which allows for an average increase of 7.5% to staff and up to 20% for executive director.
• $2,000 in additional programming funds to continue the current level of programming.
• No additional funds are allocated in collections but we have separated physical media from electronic media with a new line item. This will allow for better financial tracking of the various items within our collection.
• Technology has specified updates throughout the district to be made regarding communications and community room equipment.
• Computer replacements are expected to be conducted at both Fraser and Hot Sulphur Springs.
• $51,000 has been budgeted for exploration of the district’s future. Consultants for E-Rate program as well as strategic planning initiatives.
• State grants support educational materials as well as our Growing Reader’s Together grant, we expect to receive both 2023.
• Capital projects are budgeted for $126,695 covering several building projects that are aesthetic in nature with furniture, landscaping and privacy screens, brickwork, log, concrete and curb repairs. Other capital projects are to implement accessibility to all patrons through website redesign for ADA compliance to internal signage as well as handicap accessible doors. Technology improvements include security systems equipment and increases community room technology in Fraser.
• Debt repayment is budgeted at $1,518,500, both paying the bond due of $175,000 and calling an additional $1,330,000 in principal. This budget represents the payment in full of our refinanced certificates of participation from 2014 saving the district over $1,440,000 in interest and debt service payments. This frees up the savings for future endeavors.
• This budget reflects the Community Needs Assessment results and the ongoing support of the Strategic Plan. Staffing capacity, online resources of various interests and platforms, and support of a “library without walls” concept.
• 2023 budget has a deficit of $726,097 due to debt payoff in full. Expectation at end of year is to still have $5 million in reserves to continue with sustainable library services.

Being adaptable in 2023 with regards to facility needs and technology is critical. Pivotal year to be financially secure while development of strategic plan for 2026 and beyond.

Overall, the Grand County Library District has a 2023 budget that is 51% greater than the 2022 original adoption for operating expenses, 23% greater, or an increase of $488,325 compared to estimated actuals for 2022 operating expenses.