Commissioners discuss digital library for Dudley and approve Haitian‑Creole interpreter post; digital library funding not approved during session

Commissioners discussed a long‑standing proposal to establish a digital library in the Dudley area and the board considered setting aside funding to begin the project. Some commissioners advocated allocating a capital sum to secure a site or modular building and to provide digital workstations and STEM equipment; suggested amounts in the discussion ranged up to $500,000 but members also proposed smaller initial commitments.

County staff and commissioners emphasized they have sought grant funding for the project with limited success and suggested several alternatives, including partnering with the school district to leverage existing facilities and using the county’s mobile library to expand service. At the work session the board did not approve a line‑item allocation for a Dudley digital library; the transcript records that the digital library item did not pass during the session.

Separately, the board approved funding for a Haitian‑Creole interpreter position in the Health and Human Services budget. Commissioners cited growing Haitian and other non‑English‑speaking populations in Wayne County and discussed the interpreter being based in the Department of Social Services budget for reimbursement; staff said the county would recoup a majority of the cost through DSS reimbursements and that the role would also support the health department. Meeting discussion approximated the interpreter salary and benefits at about $60,500 and noted the county would seek partial reimbursement from DSS and other state/federal sources where eligible.

Commissioners asked staff to continue searching for potential building sites and to pursue grant opportunities, and some suggested piloting partnerships with schools or other public facilities while continuing to discuss a capital allocation at a future meeting.