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Commissioners press Bay County on library Saturday hours; county explores taking on operations
Summary
Following recent cuts to Saturday hours at two branches operated by a regional system, Gulf County commissioners asked staff to review finances and consider bringing daily operations in‑house so the county could set hours and programs that better serve local children and families.
Commissioners expressed concern after learning Saturday hours at Gulf County library branches were reduced: currently each branch will be open two Saturdays a month on a staggered schedule rather than daily Saturdays. County staff said Gulf County provided roughly $155,000 in direct support plus an approximately $55,000 grant match and in‑kind maintenance, and that Bay County— which manages the regional library system—recently adjusted hours.
County staff proposed communicating with Bay County leadership to understand the change and explore alternatives, including taking library staff onto county payroll so the county could directly set hours and programming. "If y'all give us till the end of the month, we'll come up with a solution," staff said, noting contracts end June 30 and there is a 30‑day out provision.
Commissioners asked staff to compile financials and staffing details and bring a recommendation on whether to maintain interlocal cooperation or transition to county operation.
Next steps: staff will request budget and operations details from Bay County and prepare a recommendation on operational options to return at the next meeting.
