Effingham commissioners remove library chair, pass resolution to seek withdrawal from Live Oak regional system

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners voted on Oct. 7, 2025, to remove Erica Biesenbosch from her seat as chair of the Effingham County Library Board and approved a resolution asking the trustees to call a vote on withdrawing the county from the Live Oak Public Library regional system.

The action followed a special public hearing that lasted more than two hours and included testimony from county staff, Live Oak officials and dozens of residents. Commissioners cited process and governance concerns raised in a letter from county management as the basis for the removal vote. The board then approved Resolution 025-033, described by staff as a formal expression of the county’s position and a step in the process to withdraw from Live Oak if the trustees so choose.

Why it matters: The move could change how library services are governed and funded in Effingham County. Residents, library staff and Live Oak officials warned the commission during public comment that leaving the regional system could put shared services, digital resources and collection access at risk without detailed transition plans.

What commissioners and staff said: County Manager Tim Callanan told the board the removal letter detailed alleged failures by the chair to follow the library board constitution and bylaws, including concerns about board membership, meeting quorums and consultation with local trustees before a Sept. 3 Statesboro Regional Library meeting where Effingham participation was discussed. Wade Herring, counsel for Live Oak and for the removed chair, argued that the letters contained allegations rather than established facts and pressed for clarity on the evidentiary record and the decisionmaker.

Live Oak and local trustees responded: Live Oak director Lola DeWitt and operations director Douglas (Doug) Bailey described Live Oak services, budgets and crisis lines; they said county representatives—including the county manager—regularly receive financial and budget information through the regional advisory committee and staff meetings. Local library staff and dozens of residents urged the commission to postpone any withdrawal until a full, public financial impact study and transition plan were produced.

Public reaction: Speakers at the hearing ranged from regular library patrons and parents to elected former-municipal officials. Many told commissioners the county’s libraries provide critical services — summer reading programs, homework help, hot spots, device lending and interlibrary loan — and urged transparency before any structural change.

Next steps: The resolution approved by the commission requests that the trustees call for a vote to withdraw from Live Oak. County staff said any transfer of assets purchased with state or federal funds would be governed by state law and the regional board’s procedures; O.C.G.A. 20-5-48 was cited in the hearing as the statute that governs disposition of system-owned items in structural changes. Commissioners said they plan to publish materials provided to them during the review and continue discussions with state library officials and Live Oak leadership to clarify transition mechanics and costs.

Ending: The county’s formal request to the trustees is an initial, non-binding step; the regional board and state library offices would have roles in any final disposition of property and library services. Residents and library leaders urged a public, itemized accounting and a binding transition plan before any operational changes take effect.