Library requests $150,500 in city funding for 2027 budget

Library faces $6,200 shortfall in regional grant funding

Recent remodel drives surge in library program attendance

Council awards nuisance mowing contract to local business

Longtime Fourth of July organizer steps down after 20 years

Library requests $150,500 in city funding for 2027 budget

LINDSBORG, Kan. — The Lindsborg Community Library presented its proposed 2027 budget to the city council, requesting $150,500 in property tax distribution from the city. Library Director Suzanna Swenson explained that the $15,000 increase over the previous year is necessary to combat rising operational costs, including insurance, utilities and library materials. Swenson noted that books that once cost $20 are now selling for upwards of $35.

Library faces $6,200 shortfall in regional grant funding

LINDSBORG, Kan. — The Lindsborg Community Library will receive significantly less state grant funding than initially expected, prompting a need for increased city support. The library's South Central Kansas Library System grant-in-aid decreased from an estimated $20,000 to $13,800. Swenson attributed the $6,200 drop to a temporary decrease in interlibrary loans, which occurred while the library operated out of a limited space during last year's four-month construction and remodeling project.

Recent remodel drives surge in library program attendance

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Following a recent expansion and remodel, the Lindsborg Community Library is reporting a massive surge in community use and program attendance. Summer storytime events that previously drew about 10 children are now averaging 20 attendees, with some events reaching up to 38 children. Swenson noted that the new building layout — which separates children's areas, teen spaces and quiet zones — has allowed the facility to successfully host weekly tutoring sessions, book clubs and visiting tourists.

Council awards nuisance mowing contract to local business

LINDSBORG, Kan. — The city council unanimously approved a contract with an unnamed local mowing contractor to handle city abatement mowing at a rate of $125 per hour, while an unnamed Salina-based company that bid $95 per hour was designated as the contingency provider. Community Development Director Milton Collins explained that the city's procurement policy allows a 10 percent flexibility for local bidders, and factoring in the 40-minute travel time from Salina for the cheaper bid, staff determined the local $125-per-hour bid was the most practical choice for the city. Collins also clarified how taxpayers are protected from the costs of mowing neglected private properties, noting that non-compliant property owners are initially invoiced for the hourly mowing service; if the invoice is left unpaid, the charges are sent to McPherson County to be applied as a special assessment against the property's taxes.

Longtime Fourth of July organizer steps down after 20 years

LINDSBORG, Kan. — Molly Johnson is stepping down as the lead organizer of Lindsborg's annual Fourth of July celebration at Swensson Park after two decades of volunteer service. During the city council meeting, the volunteer was commended for her dedication to the community, and it was announced that the event saw a great turnout this year. Johnson will be handing the organizational duties over to her niece for future Independence Day celebrations.

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