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Oconee County Library Board advances budget requests, hears facilities update and honors 20-year employees
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Summary
The Oconee County Library Board on March 24 reviewed FY27 budget requests to raise part-time pay and absorb a grant-funded position into county payroll, received updates on HVAC and paving needs at branches, and approved recognition for two employees with 20 years of service.
The Oconee County Library Board on March 24 reviewed FY27 budget requests aimed at raising part-time wages and shifting a grant-funded position to county payroll, heard updates on building repairs and new equipment at branch libraries, and approved a resolution recognizing two employees for 20 years of service.
Library Director (speaker 1) told the board the system asked the county in its FY27 budget for two primary adjustments: increased funding in the professional line item to raise part-time rates toward roughly $12–$13 per hour for some positions, and for the county to pick up "Carrie's" grant-funded position when the grant ends. "We did request that that go up to ... so that I can get everyone, at least to $12 an hour," the director said, noting the request falls short of the county minimum but would narrow a pay disparity between county-funded part-time roles and lower-paid system positions.
Board members pressed for clarity on the pay disparity. A board member (speaker 3) said the board has discussed the need for higher part-time pay "in the past" and urged progress. The director said she has raised the issue with the county administrator and included the increases in the budget submission to county council; she also said some smaller line items were adjusted (postage up, food down) and the county may make further changes during its process.
On facilities, the director reported a recent concrete repair at the Walhalla branch and confirmed a lingering HVAC leak there likely located in conduit between levels; repairs require specialized equipment and are pending scheduling. Paving at the Seneca branch remains on the county schedule but the timing is uncertain amid administrative and personnel changes, the director said.
The board also heard positive reports from the Friends of the Library. A Friends representative (speaker 1) said January and February sales brought in more than $11,000 and that the Friends have committed nearly $4,000 to the youth summer reading program and $2,000 to adult summer reading. A board member praised the group and highlighted a seed-library outreach led by Leah Price that has distributed more than 1,000 packets.
The board approved a resolution to recognize two employees, Jonathan Hunter and Leah Price, for 20 years of service; certificates and cards will be presented at the April 3 staff in-service. The board entered executive session and later returned with no action taken.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve March minutes: moved by Board member (speaker 3), seconded by Chair (speaker 2); approved (all in favor). - Resolution honoring 20-year employees: moved by Board member (speaker 3), seconded (noted in meeting); approved. - Motion to enter executive session: moved and seconded; passed; no action taken in session.
The director also announced that the Westminster branch will close from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 27 so staff may attend the funeral of an employee's spouse, and confirmed systemwide staff in-service on Good Friday, April 3, at the Walhalla main library.
The board adjourned after routine closing motions.
