Sumner County library board approves 2025 branch budgets, OKs pay increases and several capital requests

The Sumner County Library Board on Feb. 21 approved the proposed 2025 budgets for multiple branches and voted separately on several pay and capital items after extended discussion about staffing, technology needs and building repairs.

Board members approved Portland and Westmoreland budgets with minor adjustments, added a $5,000 salary increase for the Hendersonville director and approved Gallatin and Millersville budgets with amendments that moved some larger capital requests to later years or added HVAC and computer funding. Board members also suspended strict adherence to Robert’s Rules for the budget discussion to allow direct questioning of library directors.

The board said the votes matter because the budgets set branch staffing levels, capital outlays and the maintenance-of-effort baseline the county will use in the coming fiscal year. Directors and board members repeatedly flagged technology replacements, building inspections and AED (automated external defibrillator) placements as items requiring separate follow-up with county maintenance, health services or the budget office.

Directors provided specifics during the meeting. The Westmoreland director reported five office computers will need replacement…