Open Letter to Our Community - Eckhart Public Library

An Open Letter to Our Community

February 20, 2026

To our community,

We come to you again with an important update regarding Senate Bill 4, a multi-faceted bill that now includes Senate Bill 8, mentioned in the previous letter. We recognize the complexity of public library funding, and hope that this information helps explain the portion of SB 4 related to public libraries in a more understandable way.

Public libraries are required to follow very specific guidelines as a recipient of tax funding. We can’t have too much taxpayer money built up because we want to actively use that money on materials, services, and overall operations to support the needs of the community. We also can’t spend more money than we’re legally allowed. If either of those two things happen, we need to be accountable. That accountability comes in the form of what’s called a “binding review.”

During a binding review, the public library goes to their funding body (a city or county council) and presents their case. The funding body then decides what is allowable for that library’s budget. One of the outcomes can be a reduction in the library’s budget.

Why does this matter?

Currently, public libraries and other governmental entities are allowed to grow their spendable budget each year by what’s called a Maximum Levy Growth Quotient or MLGQ. For 2026, that percentage was 4%. SB 4 halves that rate specifically for public libraries.

By capping public library budget growth to 50% annually, it also places libraries more likely into “binding review.” During that review, a library budget can be reduced at any level.

As SB 4 is currently written, it will limit the Eckhart Public Library’s ability to keep up with inflation, grow our services, and plan for the future.

We ask that you keep up to date on this quick-moving legislation and continue to support the library now and in the future.

What you can do:

Educate yourself. Read the full language of the bill at https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0004/SB0004.04.COMH.pdf with the section on public libraries starting on page 13.
Identify your Representative: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
See sample language for calls or emails: https://inlf.memberclicks.net/action-alert---sb4
Calculate the value of your public library: https://testingthingsout.neocities.org/

January 29, 2026

To our community,

We wanted to offer some information about Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), its impact to public libraries, and what that means for our community.

Public libraries are a public service; we do not operate for a profit. We rely on public funds, or tax dollars, to provide the materials and opportunities that many in our community wouldn't have access to otherwise. With the passage of SEA 1 in 2025, public library funding has already been reduced. With the addition of Senate Bill 8, our ability to maintain and grow services is at risk.

The Current System

For decades, our Board of Trustees has served as the official fiscal and governing body of the library. Board members are appointed by openly elected local officials. Strict state guardrails are followed to ensure every tax dollar is used legally and ethically.

What SB 8 Changes

New Thresholds: Currently, the state allows for the library’s Board of Trustees to grow the spendable budget of the library by 4.0% for 2026.
Binding Reviews: Under SB 8, if the library proposes a budget increase of 2.0% or more, it triggers a "Binding Review".
Budget Authority: Currently, reductions in a binding review are capped at 10%. SB 8 eliminates this cap, allowing for unlimited cuts and modifications, which threatens to cripple growth and jeopardize essential services.

Why This Matters

Simply stated, SB 8 would limit the library’s ability to grow, or even maintain our services and plan for the future. Eckhart Public Library hopes to support our vibrant, growing community as effectively as possible without the weight of additional limitations.

Take Action Now