Funding for the Magnolia Springs Public Library became a point of contention at the town council’s meeting Tuesday night, as public officials and townspeople alike argued over how and by whom the library’s money should be managed.

The town provided $17,250 in funding for the library for the current fiscal year that ends in September, which makes up almost 5 percent of the town’s current budget.

Library Board officials have asked the town to increase the library’s funding to $25,000 for the coming fiscal year, which the council has agreed to do.

However, the town has proposed separating the funds it gives to the library into their own account that could either be managed by the town in whole or dispense money to the library board for its members to spend on budgeted items as needed.

Some citizens felt such a move was a run around the library board’s authority.

“No one has ever questioned the way the funds are handled until now,” Magnolia Springs resident Frances Cleverdon said. “It is the only thing in the town that is done for the children here, and now we’re being questioned whether we’re being honest with the money.”

Councilman Bob Holk said he and others have been strong supporters of the library.

“Everyone on this council has supported the library,” Holk said. “I have supported it financially and every other way.”

Mayor Ken Underwood attempted to explain the town’s position as simply a matter of fiscal oversight.

“We’re trying to account for every penny, especially now that the library funding is becoming an even more significant portion of the town’s budget,” Underwood said.

The independent group Friends of the Magnolia Springs Library would still be allowed to operate, but funds raised by it would be kept separate from funds given to the library by the town.

After Tuesday’s discussion, the council will likely act on the issue at a future meeting.