Fayetteville’s proposed 2027 budget would increase overall city spending by about 6.6%, or approximately $18 million, while reducing the city’s general fund contribution to the Fayetteville Public Library by about $271,860.
The proposed contribution would fall from approximately $1.8 million in 2026 to about $1.5 million in 2027. David Johnson, the library’s executive director, described the reduction as roughly 15% of the city’s contribution and said it would reduce the library’s overall budget by about 2.8%.
Library plans expense reductions
Johnson said the library has identified approximately $303,000 in expense reductions to balance its budget. The reductions include administrative costs, training, technology, building operations and upkeep. The library is continuing to refine the plan.
“A reduction of this size can’t come entirely from behind the scenes, so residents will notice some changes.” — David Johnson, Fayetteville Public Library executive director
Johnson said the planned reductions do not include staff positions. He also said library officials are prioritizing programming and staffing while reviewing the budget. Potential effects identified by the library include longer waits for electronic books, fewer family programs on Saturdays, less neighborhood outreach and fewer cultural events.
- The city’s proposed 2027 budget is about $18 million, or 6.6%, larger than the 2026 budget.
- The library’s city contribution is proposed to decline by $271,860.
- The library expects to reduce expenses by approximately $303,000 without eliminating staff positions.
Johnson said waits for eBooks already average about 40 days, compared with about 30 days at libraries of a similar size. He said the funding reduction could lengthen those waits and reduce some public-facing activities.
Mayor Molly Rawn said Monday that, based on conversations with library officials, she did not believe the funding reduction would affect public programming or staffing. Johnson said the library’s priority is to protect those areas, while also acknowledging that the size of the proposed cut could produce changes for patrons.
The proposed budget covers the city’s 2027 fiscal year. Library officials said they would continue working with the city as the budget details are finalized.
