Tracy, the Cottage Grove Library’s programming and outreach specialist, submitted her formal resignation on May 7. Board members discussed options for filling the vacancy and the likely service gap while the position is recruited and onboarded.

The board noted several constraints: the position is not required to be publicly posted but could be; there is already an interested candidate; if the board opts for a public recruitment timeline, several months could pass before a new hire is onboarded. Board members said the vacancy will create a gap that could affect summer programming (including Zoo to You scheduled June 12 and other events such as the distillery program) and emphasized the difficulty of attracting a qualified candidate for a part-time position tied to programming duties.

Options discussed included forming a subcommittee to run a formal application and interview process, working with village staff for recruitment, or considering the candidate already under consideration. The board agreed to move into closed session later in the agenda to consider compensation and the candidate’s application. The board voted to enter closed session citing Wisconsin statute (transcript references “Wisconsin State statute 19.85 per 1 per n c considering employment promotion compensation and performance evaluation data of any public employee…”). A roll-call vote was recorded; members voted to enter closed session and the board proceeded.

Board members acknowledged the likely short-term gap in service and discussed contingency steps for scheduled summer events.