ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — The library’s approved fiscal 2027 budget reduces spending on books and digital materials while planning to use approximately $1.27 million in reserves after capital and special projects.

A review of the budget adopted June 16 shows $26.82 million in revenue and $28.08 million in total spending. This is an examination of the current spending plan, not a new budget adoption.

The distinction between operations and projects matters. Ordinary general-fund expenditures total $24.79 million, leaving a $2.03 million operating surplus. Another $3.29 million for capital and special projects turns the overall plan into a reserve draw.

Materials receive $3.9 million, down $99,200, or 2.5%, from the prior revised budget. Books and periodicals account for $83,150 of that reduction. Budget-to-budget comparisons differ from actual spending, which may fall below authorized amounts.

Projected year-end fund balance after projects is $30.43 million. The document assigns much of that balance to cash-flow and emergency reserves; approximately $10.65 million is unallocated.

The public accountability question is how collection reductions affect availability and waiting times, and whether future project decisions preserve access. The budget itself does not answer those service questions.