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Library board budget approved; trustees cite surging usage and seek higher grant match and repairs
Summary
The Library Board asked the county to approve modest staffing and matching-grant increases and to approve two-phase building repairs including a roof and column/paint work; the commission approved the library’s matching-grant request by voice vote.
Melissa Barker, chairman of the library board, and board member Frank Roster presented the library’s proposed budget and statistics showing large increases in usage: 22% rise in circulation, 56% increase in visits and a 405% increase in program attendance compared with 2022–2023.
The board requested a 3.2% staff pay increase, an additional 10 hours per week for a part-time clerical position (estimated at about $5,580 annually), an increase in travel for the library director to $500 to attend state conferences, and an increase in a technology grant match line to $3,000 so the library could seek a larger 50/50 technology grant that would support replacement of aging public computers.
Frank Roster also detailed a two-phase building repair plan. Phase 1 included exterior cosmetic and structural work on the front columns, window caulking and repainting and railing repairs; the board provided a quote from Trigger Construction for approximately $6,600 for the exterior items. Phase 2 would inspect and repair interior ceiling/roof damage above the children’s section after roof work begins.
Board members said they would convene a long-range planning committee to discuss expanding patron services and computer access; the first meeting was scheduled for April 17. A library board vacancy was announced and commissioners were invited to apply.
A commissioner made a motion to approve the library’s matching-grant line item; another commissioner seconded. The commission voted by voice: “Aye.” The motion carried.
