La Crosse Public Library
800 Main Street
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse WI 54601
Meeting Minutes
Library Board
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
5:00 PM
La Crosse Public Library
Auditorium (Lower Level)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Call to Order
The Vice Chair, Kathy Ivey, called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
PRESENT: Jessica Thill, Sue Anglehart, Araysa Simpson, Kathy Ivey, Katie Bittner,
Mac Kiel, Rosanne Northwood
ABSENT: Aaron Engel, Erin Raymus
STAFF: Dawn Wacek, Daniel Whitmore, Cynthia Arauz, Brooke Newberry, Amber
Leibundgut-Peterson, Miranda Greeno
Agenda Items:
2026 Budget Review and Discussion
1
1.1 Scenario Review
At this time, the City is looking to cut $3 million from the 2026 Operating
Budget. The cost of benefits, namely health insurance, continues to rise.
With this is frame, Director Wacek shared with the Board possible scenarios
of what different reduction levels could look like.
1.2 Timeline
The next steps in the budget process include the Board of Estimates
meetings on Thursday, September 4 and Thursday, October 2 as well as
the Common Council meeting on Monday, November 17, where the 2026
Operating Budget will be voted on by Council members.
Feedback Policy Draft
2
3
Ms. Wacek presented a Feedback Policy draft to the Board. This policy is new.
Members suggested a few changes. A revised version of the policy will be brought to
the regular Board meeting on Tuesday, September 9.
Service Animal Policy Draft
Director Wacek presented a Service Animal Policy draft to the Board. This policy has
been updated from the 2023 version. No changes were suggested by Board members.
The policy will be brought to the regular Board meeting on Tuesday, September 9.