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Commissioners approve increased window contract for county library; Friends, senior fund contribute
Summary
Daniels County commissioners approved a revised window contract for the county library after staff reported an 8% price increase; Friends of the Library will contribute $5,000 and the senior citizens fund $500. Commissioners also discussed shifting mill-levy reporting to fixed dollar amounts and temporarily delaying winter hours due to staff surgery.
The Daniels County Commissioners approved a revised bid and signed contract to replace windows at the county library after staff said the vendor raised prices about 8% since February.
A library representative said the project includes new interior trim and that Friends of the Library will donate $5,000 and the senior citizens library fund $500 toward the cost. "The cost went up 8% on the windows from February," a library staffer told the commissioners and asked for board action to proceed. Commissioners moved and seconded approval and recorded the motion as carried.
Commissioners and staff discussed the installation timeline and impact. Staff said the windows carry a four- to six-week lead time and that work is expected to start in September, with contractors estimating the job could be completed without closing the building. "They thought it was a one-day job. Hopefully it won't mean we'll be closing or anything," a staff member said.
The group also reviewed library funding mechanics. One commissioner summarized recent guidance from the Montana State Library that recommends reporting local property levies as a fixed dollar amount rather than a number of mills to make budgeting clearer for the public; the discussion cited Montana statute 15-10-421A. Commissioners did not adopt an immediate ordinance change but agreed staff should review the legal language and return with formal wording if needed.
Library hours were also discussed after staff said a circulation employee will undergo surgery and be out 6–8 weeks starting Aug. 19. Commissioners signaled support for postponing the switch to winter Saturday hours until Oct. 1 to avoid overtime obligations while the employee recovers. The board clarified that setting hours is a board decision and asked staff to bring a formal motion if a schedule change is needed.
What’s next: installation planning and vendor scheduling will proceed; staff will finalize contract paperwork and monitor funding and timelines.
