Commissioners deadlock on new county library director position; pay-grade dispute sends matter to work session

Currituck County commissioners debated and ultimately failed to approve a new county library director position during their Dec. 1 meeting, with disagreement centering on the recommended pay grade and how the county should apply a recently completed pay study.

County staff said the East Albemarle Regional Library will dissolve on June 30, 2026, and on July 1 the county must assume library services. The proposed director position would make the system eligible for state public library aid and participation in NC Cardinal, the statewide catalog system. The manager estimated state aid at roughly $103,000 but cautioned the funding is not guaranteed and depends on meeting state certification requirements for the director.

Commissioners questioned whether the manager's recommended pay grade (grade 80) would attract qualified candidates; alternatives proposed ranged from grade 75 to 77. Opponents urged fiscal restraint and adherence to the pay study methodology, while supporters argued the county's benefits package and recruitment competition justify a higher grade. After roll-call votes the initial motion to adopt the manager's recommendation failed and a later substitute to set pay grade 77 failed 3'4. The board agreed to hold a work session in January to resolve the pay-grade and advertising decision.

Commissioners and staff emphasized constraints: the director must hold or be able to obtain the public library certification tied to a master's degree to secure state aid and NC Cardinal participation; the manager said the state will work with candidates who hold an MLS and can meet four core competencies. Several commissioners also noted benefits costs and recruitment competitiveness with neighboring counties during discussion.

Because the board did not adopt a grade, staff said it could not advertise a position at this time and will return the item for further board consideration.