In a surprising turn of events at the November 18th Menomonee Falsl Village Board meeting, Trustee Steve Taggart proposed a drastic reduction of $250,000 from the library levy. The motion, which was supported by Trustee Brad Jubber, was met with backlash from the fellow WISRED trustees.
For those who might not be familiar, the library levy is a crucial funding source that allows the Public Library to operate smoothly. The levy funds everything from new books and resources to community programs that serve both children and adults. THe library is not just a building with books – it’s a hub for education, community engagement, and accessibility. Cutting its funding would have far-reaching consequences for everyone in the community.
The $250,000 reduction could mean fewer new materials, reduced programming for youth and seniors, cuts to staff, and limitations on operational hours. This is concerning for families, educators, and others who depend on the library for educational support, internet access, and community services.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that Brad Jubber has previously been criticized for his stance on library funding. In June, 2023, he was publicly called out by Grassroots Menomonee Falls Area for making disparging remarks about the roles of libraries in the community. This latest attempt to remove funds only amplifies concerns that’s the library is under threat by certain members of the Village Board.
During the meeting, Steve Taggart argued the impact on the taxpayers, while the remaining body expressed their disappointment that the motion wasn’t discussed earlier in workshops. Trustee Taggart’s reasoning behind the proposed cut was unclear and didn’t seem to align with the needs of the community. Thankfully, after a brief discussion with fellow trustees, the motion was not passed. However, this is Steve Taggart’s second attempt at reducing the library levy. What other cuts could be proposed moving forward?
To see how the conversation unfolded, you can watch the full meeting video here.