Directors recommend using projected carryover to address technology backlog

The library’s director (S2) told trustees the board should expect a larger budget carryover this year — driven in part by several retirements that left salary lines unspent — and proposed using the funds to address an urgent technology backlog.

The director said the carryover conversation will resemble last year’s process but with new elements. She noted large outstanding technology needs, including replacement of a microfilm reader and aging computers, and suggested devoting a significant portion of any carryover to address those items rather than one‑off purchases. "I'm thinking that devoting a significant portion of that money towards the technology backlog... will probably be the best video," the director said, noting the microfilm machine is a five‑digit replacement item.

S2 also proposed consolidating multiple periodical line items into a single materials budget to give staff flexibility when titles cease publishing. The director said staff will convene in March with team members (Jamie, Charles and others) to compile technology inventories and costs and that she may recommend shifting recurring funding toward digital resources such as OverDrive if analysis supports it.

The director recommended involving the county corporate counsel in the carryover conversation and moving the timing of carryover decisions later in the year to avoid premature spending when funds become available. No final decisions were made; trustees asked for more detailed figures once finance closes out 2025 and prepares final carryover totals.

At the start of the meeting the board approved routine finances after the finance staff presentation and a motion to accept the financials on the packet. The motion to approve the finances was moved by Committee member (S4) and carried by voice vote.