An amended resolution to boost funding for six public libraries in Pierce County was approved Sept. 9 by the Board of Supervisors’ Finance and Personnel Committee.

The resolution is due to go before the full board Sept. 24 for final consideration.

Under the amended resolution, Act 150 reimbursement rates would increase from 85 to 90 percent for six in-county libraries in 2025 and beyond, but the Act 420 rate for 16 out-of-county libraries would remain at 70 percent.

The committee on Aug. 5 passed a motion supporting an increase in the Act 420 rate from 70 to 85 percent as well as a boost in the Act 150 rate from 85 to 90 percent. At the Sept. 9 meeting, Supervisor Kris Sampson proposed amending the draft resolution to retain the 70 percent rate for out-of-county libraries. Sampson said she was concerned about funding for Pierce County libraries when “budgets are tight."

The committee approved the amendment and then approved the resolution with the proposed change.

Under the amended resolution, in-county libraries would receive an estimated $665,531 at the 90 percent rate, up $36,973 from the 85 percent rate they are slated to receive under current policy. The out-of-county libraries would receive $29,230 in 2025 at the 70 percent rate, according to county estimates.

Under state law, Pierce County is obligated to pay in-county and out-of-county public libraries for services provided to Pierce County residents.