Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Unicoi County Public Library trustees approve employee handbook, payroll correction and policy changes; director outlines flood relief support
Summary
At their Oct. 24 meeting, the Unicoi County Public Library Board unanimously approved revised personnel and policy items, authorized a $632.73 retroactive payroll correction for the director, confirmed holiday closures and rescheduled the November meeting, and heard updates on flood-relief support and lost fundraiser revenue.
The Unicoi County Public Library Board of Trustees met Oct. 24, 2024, in Erwin and unanimously approved a series of routine personnel and policy measures while discussing the library’s role in local flood-recovery efforts.
President Cathy Griffith called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and noted trustees Jan Bowden (vice president), Andy Frazier (secretary), Stana Donnelly, Jenna Lafever and Gail Snodgrass were present. Treasurer Shane O’Hare was absent. Director Morgan Olson and Holston River Regional Library Director Jennifer Breuer also attended.
Board members approved the Sept. 26, 2024 minutes and the September financial report. Griffith reported $49,660.62 in assets and a quarter‑end balance of $41,190.88 after liabilities; she said the balance was about $20,000 higher than expected because a disbursement intended for the prior fiscal year posted in the current year.
Olson briefed the board on flood-relief measures and operational adjustments. The library has waived fees for Wi‑Fi hotspot loans and made hotspots available to patrons “for the foreseeable future” to aid community members affected by recent flooding. Proceeds from the September book sale were donated to flood relief. Olson said the Apple Festival cancellation reduced typical fundraiser income by an estimated $3,000–$4,000 that would normally support the general budget. She also reviewed upcoming programming — including a free Halloween movie and a pumpkin-decorating contest on Nolichucky Avenue — and noted staff training plans and holiday closures (Veterans Day on 11/11 and Thanksgiving Nov. 28–29; the library reopens 11/30).
Jennifer Breuer reported that trustee certification had been completed by Shane O’Hare and provided updates about nearby libraries affected by flooding, singling out Stokely Memorial Library in Newport, Tenn., as a site that received cleanup and grant support from regional and state partners.
In old business, the board reviewed an updated employee handbook and unanimously approved it. The board also approved a retroactive payroll correction that will add $632.73 to a future paycheck for Director Morgan Olson so her approved raise aligns with other staff members’ raises.
Under new business, the board confirmed a schedule of holiday closures, agreed to cancel the December board meeting and set the November meeting for Nov. 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The Cardholder Policy was reviewed with no changes and approved as submitted. Board members discussed fundraising ideas, including exploring licensed bingo events with prizes, and noted the library building’s 100th anniversary next year as an opportunity for celebration.
All formal motions recorded in the minutes passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.; Secretary Andy Frazier attested the minutes.
Votes at a glance - Approval of Sept. 26, 2024 meeting minutes — mover: Gail Snodgrass; second: Jan Bowden; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Approval of September 2024 financial report — mover: Andy Frazier; second: Stana Donnelly; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Approval of updated Employee Handbook — mover: Stana Donnelly; second: Jan Bowden; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Approval of Director retroactive payroll correction ($632.73) — mover: Jenna Lafever; second: Gail Snodgrass; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Approval of Holiday Closures and Board meeting reschedule/cancellation — mover: Jan Bowden; second: Stana Donnelly; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Approval of Cardholder Policy — mover: Jenna Lafever; second: Stana Donnelly; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0). - Motion to adjourn — mover: Andy Frazier; second: Jan Bowden; outcome: approved unanimously (6–0).
Next steps: The board will meet next on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Unicoi County Public Library; staff will continue outreach on flood-relief services and explore fundraising options ahead of the library building’s centennial year.
