Mitchell County commissioners on June 2025 approved an amended agreement for the Toe River Valley Regional Library and appointed two representatives to the regional library board.

The amendments change the library board’s composition and clarify standards for the regional library executive director’s political activity; commissioners said the update reflects input from multiple counties and the public. Supporters who spoke during the public-comment period urged the board to adopt the revised agreement as written and praised library staff.

The county’s staff attorney described the agreement as “a collaboration between three government entities and their attorneys, along with feedback from the public” and said the revised board composition would shift to a 4–2–2 split among member counties. The agreement also specifies that the executive library director’s conduct regarding political activity will mirror rules that apply to other government employees in the member jurisdictions.

Two residents spoke during public comment before the vote. Daniel Barrett, identified in the meeting as a resident, called the “document…an excellent example of the fundamentals of a free public library” and said it demonstrated “trust and the trustworthiness of the library profession.” Another resident, Sharon, urged support for the agreement and praised the county’s professional library staff, saying they help residents “make informed decisions” and counter misinformation.

The board approved the amended agreement by voice vote. The board also nominated and approved two appointments to the regional library board: Harley Masters and Steve Rowland. Commissioners noted that terms for trustees appointed under the agreement begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2027, or until a successor is appointed.

Commissioners said the amended agreement and appointments respond to concerns raised by member counties and members of the public and aim to keep the regional system operating with local oversight.