Salina Public Library Raises Concerns Over Regional Funding as 2028 Cut Looms

Salina Public Library officials are raising questions about whether Saline County taxpayers are receiving an equitable return from the Central Kansas Library System as the library faces the prospect of a significant reduction in regional funding.

The Salina Public Library is a member of the Central Kansas Library System, or CKLS, one of seven regional library systems in Kansas. Salina Public Library and Gypsum Community Library are both members of CKLS, while Saline County residents who live outside the cities of Salina and Gypsum contribute to the regional system through its tax levy. CKLS then distributes tax revenue and other funding through grants and services to member libraries.

According to information presented in the Salina Public Library's August board packet, Saline County has provided $302,300.79 to CKLS in 2026 through its general and employee benefit funds. Salina Public Library is receiving a $109,019.21 grant from CKLS this year, while Gypsum Community Library is receiving $10,052.28.

The packet says CKLS's 2027 system plan is expected to reduce funding to Salina Public Library by approximately 50% in 2028, bringing the amount to roughly $50,000. Funding for Gypsum is also expected to be reduced.

Salina Public Library Director Melanie Hedgespeth said such a reduction would force the library to examine its operations if another source of funding is not found.

"If the regional library system reduces funding to approximately $50,000 in 2028, it would have a significant impact on the library," Hedgespeth said. "The library will need to evaluate its services, budget and determine where changes need to be made."

The library's board packet also examined the longer-term flow of tax dollars between Saline County and CKLS.

According to the library's figures, Saline County provided approximately $3.4 million in tax funding to CKLS from 2015 through 2025. About $1.05 million in CKLS funding returned to Saline County during that period, leaving approximately $2.35 million — or 69.04% of the county tax dollars collected — retained by CKLS.

Hedgespeth said the library's concern centers on whether that distribution fairly reflects both the county's financial contribution and the services local libraries provide.

"Our concern is whether Saline County taxpayers are receiving a fair return on the tax dollars they contribute to CKLS," Hedgespeth said. "We believe the distribution of funds should be equitable and should reflect the services provided by the libraries to all communities within the regional system, while also recognizing the financial contribution made by Saline County taxpayers."

The discussion also raises the question of what options could be available if Saline County sought to change its relationship with the regional system.

Hedgespeth said withdrawal is not a decision Salina Public Library could make on its own.

"With respect to county taxpayers, withdrawal from a regional library system is a formal process that begins with the County Commission," Hedgespeth said. "The Commission must approve placing the question on the ballot, and the decision is ultimately made by a vote of the county's taxpayers."

She said additional statutory and procedural requirements would follow an election.

"Salina Public Library believes it is important to fully understand those options and their implications as discussions regarding the regional system and funding structure continue," Hedgespeth said.

Hedgespeth also drew a distinction between the funding Salina receives from CKLS and services the regional system provides directly to the library.

"Salina does not depend on CKLS for services; rather, the regional-system funding Salina receives helps us provide services for residents outside the city's existing library service area," Hedgespeth said.

The funding discussion comes as CKLS prepares for its 2027 budget and revenue-neutral-rate hearing, scheduled for Aug. 26. The library's board materials indicate CKLS plans to exceed the revenue-neutral rate.

For Salina Public Library, the immediate issue is not simply the amount of regional funding it receives today, but what a roughly $59,000 reduction from its current $109,019.21 grant could mean beginning in 2028.

Library officials have not identified specific services or budget items that would be reduced if the projected cut occurs. Hedgespeth said those decisions would require an evaluation of the library's services and budget if replacement funding is not secured.