Portage County library trustees approve amendment to allow spending of 2024 carryover funds

The Portage County Public Library Board of Trustees at a special meeting approved a budget amendment transfer request intended to clarify spending authority for unspent 2024 county funds that were moved into a library-specific fund.

Alexander, a library staff member, told trustees the finance committee’s earlier action moved the unspent 2024 funds into a separate account but did not explicitly authorize spending from that pool. "It is to give clarity that the funds ... set aside for the library from the unspent 2024 funds may be spent for these particular purposes," Alexander said, explaining the amendment form in the meeting packet.

The amendment form is scheduled for consideration by the county finance committee on September 8 and by the county board on September 16, Alexander said, and staff hope to spend the funds promptly after those steps. Alexander added the finance director raised compliance questions and staff have contacted the Department of Public Instruction to discuss procedures.

A committee member asked whether the board could approve all steps at once to reduce administrative duplication. Alexander said the finance director is exploring a streamlined process for future years but that it was not yet certain the new process would eliminate intermediate approvals.

The committee member moved to approve the budget amendment transfer request; the chair seconded, and the chair called for the ayes. The motion passed by voice vote with no opposition announced; specific vote counts were not specified in the record.

Alexander said he will submit the approved amendment to the finance department for placement on the finance committee agenda and will keep the board updated. Trustees thanked staff and expressed hope that the planned discussion with the Department of Public Instruction will simplify the process going forward. The chair then adjourned the special meeting.