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Commissioners certify FY2015 local share for county library system; county provides about 80 percent of funding
Summary
The commissioners approved the county's certification that St. Mary's County will meet the local funding requirement for the state cooperative library aid program for FY2015; county operating contribution cited at $2,498,064, with the state share at $612,413.
The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County on Aug. 26 approved a certification required by the Maryland state library aid program that the county will provide at least 60 percent of the total funding for the public library system in FY2015.
Kathleen Reif, director of the St. Mary's County Library, told the commissioners that the county has consistently provided roughly 80 percent of the system's funding. She presented the FY2015 operating numbers: the county contribution of $2,498,064 and a state allotment of $612,413, which equals about 22 percent of total funding under the state’s wealth formula.
Reif noted heavy summer usage at the county's three branches (including an exceptionally busy Sunday with 780 visitors and 1,300 items checked out) and introduced board members and staff accompanying her.
Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe moved approval and Commissioner Daniel L. Morris seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
The certification is an administrative attestation required for the county to participate in cooperative local-state aid; library staff said they value the county's continuing support and asked for the board's signature to complete the required form.
Ending: County administrators said the certification will allow the library to remain eligible for state aid in FY2015 and that staff will continue outreach to maintain usage and service levels.
