CLN: Trustees’ fiscal dishonesty

How often do politicians run for office promising to cut taxes? Community Library Network board members Tim Plass and Tom Hanley certainly did.

But what has that promise meant in practice?

In 2023, the board balanced the budget by cutting services — reducing hours, closing libraries on Sundays, and slashing programs, materials, and collections. Residents packed budget hearings and pleaded with the board not to reduce services. They were ignored.

In 2024, 13 staff members were laid off.

These decisions were justified by refusing the routine 3% annual tax increase allowed under Idaho law. At first glance, it appeared Plass and Hanley were keeping their promise.

But in the 2026 fiscal year, the board took the 3% increase after all.

At the same time, they approved a $32,000 raise for the library director — boosting his salary from $128,000 to $160,000, a 25% increase after less than 15 months on the job. Staff received just 2%. The board argued the director’s pay should align with Spokane. Are staff salaries aligned with Spokane as well?

In December, the board also approved a $127,901 lease for administrative office space. (To be fair, Plass voted no on that contract.)

After years of cuts, layoffs, and reduced services, that’s nearly $160,000 in new spending.

Voters should ask a simple question: were these sacrifices truly about protecting taxpayers — or about something else?

JEAN RICHARDSON

Hayden