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Pharr library reports record visits, asks for new computers and building repairs as FEMA operates at DRC
Summary
At its July 17 meeting, the Pharr Memorial Library Board heard a director's report showing year-to-date library visits and revenues up from last year, and staff requested funding for new computers and repairs to building stucco and the parking lot. FEMA is using the Development and Research Center as a disaster recovery center after March floods.
Pharr Memorial Library Director Olga reported to the Pharr Memorial Library Board on July 17 that the system has surpassed last year's visit totals and is seeking funds for new computers and building repairs as FEMA operates a disaster recovery center at the Development and Research Center (DRC).
Olga told the board that from Oct. 1 through June the main library recorded 133,698 visits and the DRC logged 15,097 visits, for a combined total of 148,795. "We've already...surpassed our library visits," she said. Circulation year to date stood at 41,296 at the main library and 4,507 at the DRC. Local revenues so far reported were $30,859 at the main library, $5,554 at the DRC and $17,668 from the library cafe, for a combined total of a little over $54,000.
Those activity and revenue figures accompany the library's budget status: Olga said year-to-date expenses total about $1,129,480 and the total annual budget is about $1,668,400, putting the library at roughly 62% of budgeted expenses through the fiscal year. "We're supposed to be at about 75% of our budget," she said, and described ongoing cost controls to remain in the black.
Nut graf: The director framed the requests as upkeep and service needs tied to rising demand. To maintain services and avoid failures as aging equipment reaches end-of-life, staff asked the board to include funding in the upcoming fiscal plan for a significant computer replacement and for targeted building repairs.
Olga said IT advised that public and staff computers are at end-of-life and will lose vendor support: "The DRC computers are already at their seventh year...the ones at the main library are at the 6 year mark as well." The request presented to the board asked for roughly 99 public computers and about 12 staff machines to replace aging units and reduce support incidents.
On facilities, Olga highlighted cracking stucco near the roof that needs repair to avoid larger future damage and said restriping and cleaning of the parking lot is planned. She said the public works department is scheduled to restripe the lot within weeks and the library plans steam cleaning of the children's area and other maintenance before the school year.
Board members were told the DRC has hosted numerous city and county events and is currently serving as a FEMA disaster recovery center following the March floods. "FEMA...stepped in due to the, the disaster declaration," Olga said, adding FEMA staff are expected to leave the DRC near the end of next week.
The board also moved and approved routine items on the consent agenda. A motion to approve the May 15 minutes passed when a board member said, "All in favor. Aye. Motion carries." The board also took a motion to excuse the absent members; the transcript records "I motion. I second," and the board proceeded with the meeting.
Ending: Olga closed by thanking county partners for funding through the Hidalgo County Library System (HCLS), which returns annual integrated library system funds to participating libraries. She reiterated that staff will present budget requests for the new fiscal year and emphasized the need to replace aging computers to maintain patron services.
