Crook County to limit library meeting rooms to open hours; board appoints Kim Bales as library manager

The Crook County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a change to library operations and a personnel appointment.

Kim Bales presented a proposed meeting‑room policy that, starting May 1, would limit use of library meeting rooms to library business hours to reduce liability, vandalism and after‑hours security concerns. Kim said the library board approved the policy and staff proactively contacted regular after‑hours groups about alternative spaces; she said the neighborhood reaction has been positive.

Commissioners said they were satisfied with outreach and noted the consent agenda will allow removal for discussion if stakeholders request it. Commissioner Will Van Bactor suggested a joint meeting with the library board could be scheduled if there is public interest; the chair said he did not think that was necessary based on the outreach described.

Separately, the board considered the appointment of Kim Bales to library manager. Commissioner Will Van Bactor outlined that Kim had served in an interim capacity and that the library now has an adopted strategic plan and stable finances; he recommended promotion to the manager role. A motion to appoint Kim Bales as library manager was moved, seconded and approved.

The board placed the meeting‑room policy on the consent agenda and approved the appointment of Kim Bales; both actions were recorded during the work session.