Kent County Library asks commissioners for modest budget bump, $70,000 one-time funds for cameras and furnishings

A library representative asked the Kent County Commissioners for a budget increase this year that is “only, less than $100,000 more than it was last year,” and a $70,000 one-time appropriation to replace security cameras and make a handful of interior and technology improvements.

The request, presented to the commissioners in a slide packet, listed the library system’s recurring operating breakdown as $760,000 for staff salaries, $230,000 for staff benefits and $231,850 for operating expenses. The speaker said the $70,000 one-time request would fund a cloud‑backed camera system, a new circulation desk for the Chestertown branch, meeting-room audiovisual upgrades, additional seating and improved signage.

The library representative said the system recorded about 3,000 program visitors between July of last year and April of this year, with roughly half of those visits in Chestertown and the remainder split between the Galena and Rock Hall branches and off‑site locations such as schools. “Our programming efforts are very successful, countywide,” the presenter said, noting strong attendance among babies, toddlers and adults and lower participation among teens.

Security and evidence retention were described as a principal reason for the one-time camera purchase. The presenter said their current system sometimes deletes footage because of limited local storage; a cloud option would “give us at least 30 days retention, which Chief Dixon tells us will be sufficient.” The packet listed a locally recommended VivaTech (VivoTech) camera package at about $15,000 as a one‑time purchase; an alternative cloud system trialed by the library vendor was listed at roughly $24,000 but was described as having higher ongoing costs.

On circulation-desk improvements, the presenter said the current desk in Chestertown offers poor sight lines and limited accessibility. Relocating the desk would “provide better safety and security for all involved” and better serve patrons with mobility issues. The library is also asking to replace an aging meeting‑room projector and to buy more flexible seating for events.

The presenter said library staff retention is currently strong and credited benefits for that retention, adding that pay at Kent County starts lower than on some Eastern Shore peers such as Queen Anne’s County and that the library is “trying to make some effort to try to bridge that gap a little bit.” The speaker asked that benefits not be cut as a way to save money, saying reduced coverage would increase turnover.

The library noted renovations are underway at the Hearst House, with bids out and an expected completion date by December 2025 and occupancy by January 2026. The presenter described the Hearst House as a potential meeting or training space and said the library may seek outside grants or foundation help to enclose the front patio to increase usable space.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about line items. A county staff member confirmed the $70,029 listed in the slides covered the new camera system; the presenter confirmed the front-desk work would be the primary use of the rest of the one‑time money, with some smaller purchases (seating, projector) included. The presentation closed with the presenter thanking the county and the Friends of the Library for continued support.

The library presentation will be included in the county’s budget deliberations for final action.