BREMERTON — Kitsap Regional Library trustees will take public comment Tuesday, Nov. 17, on a proposed $23.6 million operating budget for 2027, then vote on adopting it.
The budget would spend $23,620,791 next year, up from $22,033,456 in the 2026 adopted budget, an increase of about 7.2%. Revenue is projected at $27.1 million, up 2.6%.
What's driving costs
A memo from Deputy Director and Chief Financial and Operating Officer Dan Baer lists the main cost drivers: a 4% cost-of-living raise, 3% anniversary step increases for eligible staff and an 11% jump in health care costs.
The library would also put $222,484 more into physical and digital collections to keep up with inflation in the price of books and other materials. The library materials budget totals $2.45 million.
Property taxes make up about 97% of the library’s operating revenue. The budget projects $26.2 million in property tax revenue in 2027, up 2.4%. Trustees will also vote that night on the library district’s 2027 tax certification and a resolution on its regular levy increase.
The memo says any year-end surplus will go to reserves. Capital projects paid for from reserves aren’t in this budget. They will go to the board for approval in January.
December meeting canceled
Because November and December business is being combined, the board’s regular Dec. 15 meeting is canceled. The next regular meeting is Jan. 26, 2027.
Trustees will also consider a proposed policy on the library’s use of artificial intelligence and hold their annual officer election.
How to attend
Trustees meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 Sixth St., Bremerton. The meeting streams live on BKAT. People who want to speak in person sign in at the meeting. Those who want to comment virtually must submit a registration form, linked from krl.org/trustees. Each speaker gets up to three minutes.
The agenda and budget are posted at krl.community.diligentoneplatform.com.
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