Residents press commissioners for transparency after library disputes; commissioners cite a 10-year Fontana Regional Library agreement

Several residents told the Macon County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 they oppose any behind-the-scenes effort to withdraw the county from the Fontana Regional Library (FRL) and urged transparency in trustee appointments.

David Germaine told the board that proposed, coordinated exits by Macon and Jackson counties from the FRL had been circulated in the community and urged the board to reject any withdrawal without public discussion. "If there is ever a consideration to exit the FRL that it be done openly and honestly and allow the public to participate in that conversation," Germaine said.

Other speakers noted recent denials of reappointment and asked for clear appointment criteria and open vetting of library trustees. Heather Johnson said a county trustee was denied a second term without explanation and that openings were not publicly announced or advertised for new applications.

Chairman and staff responded that Macon County recently executed a 10-year, good-faith contract with the Fontana Regional Library and that the board viewed that agreement as authoritative for the near term. "For the record, I would like to reiterate that we just signed a 10 year bipartisan good faith contract with Fontaine Regional Library," the chairman said.

Speakers asked commissioners to publicly explain any possible financial rationale for leaving FRL before taking action. No formal action on FRL membership was taken at the meeting; commissioners voted on other matters and said they would not act outside open meetings processes.