Three county managers propose shifting Fontana Regional Library trustee appointments to county commissions

County managers from Macon, Jackson and Swain counties asked the Macon County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 8 to consider a revision to the Fontana Regional Library Agreement that would move trustee appointment authority from local library boards to each county’s Board of Commissioners.

County Manager Derek C. Roland read a July 24 letter signed by the three managers that described the regional library arrangement as effective but urged one change: “to move appointment authority for the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees from the local county library boards to the Boards of Commissioners,” the letter said. The managers said the change would create a more direct connection between the elected bodies that fund the system and the library’s policymaking body.

The request comes as part of the agreement’s first decennial review since it was implemented. Roland told commissioners the proposed revision would be used to fill trustee vacancies going forward only if all three county boards and the Fontana Regional Library agree to the change.

Several residents spoke during public comment urging the board to preserve the current role of local library boards in recommending trustees. Linda Tyler asked that the Board of Commissioners “take recommendations of the local library board before making decisions on those appointments,” and Olga Pater urged leaving the existing appointment process in place.

Commissioner Antoine characterized local reaction as heightened by public attention, saying “many issues are being blown up by the community and media.” Chairman Higdon said the board would take the letter and recommendations under review.

Next steps: the letter is being presented to each county board; the proposed change would require agreement by the three counties and the regional library before taking effect.