Library to receive grant-funded mobile van; commissioners approve two FTEs and 2% COLA

During the March 22, 2022 budget workshop the St. Mary's County Commissioners approved the library's request to accept a state grant for a mobile library van (bookmobile-style vehicle with Wi-Fi and two workstations) and to add two full-time positions to operate it.

Library director Michael Blackwell described the vehicle as a grant-funded mobile unit with Wi‑Fi that will allow staff to bring collections and programs to senior facilities, daycares and remote neighborhoods. The commissioners approved the administrator's recommendation to add two FTEs to staff the outreach service. The county administrator's recommendation also increased the department's COLA from 1% to 2% consistent with other county employees; with that change the total recommended cost for the library package was recorded as $231,789 (total for the department's recommended increases including the two positions and the 2% COLA).

Blackwell said the van will extend library service to neighborhoods and institutions that lack nearby branch access and that school partnerships are already requesting monthly visits to community schools. Commissioners noted the request was grant-funded for the van itself and supported funding two positions to ensure the service can operate year-round.

The board asked staff to finalize budget coding for the two positions and to reflect the 2% COLA in the library's recommended operating budget prior to the public hearing.