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Daniels County approves library window contract increase; board hears mill-levy guidance
Summary
Commissioners approved a revised window contract for the public library after learning of an 8% cost increase and pledged local match funds; staff summarized Montana State Library guidance recommending a shift from mills to dollar-based levy reporting.
Daniels County commissioners on July 21 approved an increased contract for replacement windows at the county library and discussed changes to how the county reports library levies.
The board voted to accept the revised bid after staff reported that the price had risen about 8% since February. ‘‘So, this is a copy of the bids that we got on our windows and a copy of the signed contract…The cost went up 8% on the windows from February,’’ a library representative said, adding that Friends of the Library would contribute $5,000 and the senior citizens library fund $500 toward the work. The board moved and seconded approval of the bid so the contract could be executed.
In a separate discussion, a staff member summarized recent Montana State Library guidance and cited Montana statutory provision 15-10-421A, saying the library sector is being encouraged to present mill levies as dollar amounts rather than mills so taxpayers better understand the cost. The staff member said the change would take effect over the next two years and advised commissioners to consider shifting to dollar-based levy language to keep budgets aligned with inflation.
Commissioners also discussed library operations tied to staffing: because an employee will be out for six to eight weeks beginning Aug. 19, staff asked to keep summer hours through Oct. 1 to avoid overtime. The board did not object and encouraged the library director to coordinate with the board on any final scheduling change.
The window work includes interior trim and potential adjustments to blinds; contractors estimated a 4–6 week lead time with installation in September to finish before winter.
What’s next: staff will finalize the contract and schedule work; the library will provide the board with a staffing plan for the temporary coverage period.
