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Library board reports branch closures, asks county to assume building maintenance amid budget cuts
Summary
The Big Horn County Library Board reported closure of Frannie and Deaver branches and reduced hours/staffing at Lovell, Basin and Greybull, citing staff-cost reductions and an estimated $24,000 savings from stopping retirement contributions; the board requested county help with building maintenance and was asked to return with further reports.
C. Waterworth and N. Greene, representing the Big Horn County Library Board, told the county commission on Aug. 5 that recent budget cuts have forced closure of the Frannie and Deaver branch libraries and reduced hours or staffing at Lovell, Basin and Greybull.
The board said the Town of Frannie will continue to host a library service using volunteers. The board provided staff-cost figures: Lovell staff costs of $50,800, Basin staff costs of $49,712 and Greybull staff costs of $44,927. The board reported agreeing to stop Wyoming Retirement contributions, which they estimated would save about $24,000, and requested the county assume building maintenance to reduce library operating costs.
Commissioner Deb Craft and County Clerk Lori Smallwood asked the board to verify whether Wyoming Retirement contributions can be stopped under applicable employer contracts and asked the board to return with detailed reports on retirement, maintenance needs and budgets. Commissioner Bruce Jolley said the county faces similar constraints and requested additional documentation before committing to building maintenance.
The commission asked the Library Board to meet again, check on retirement contribution rules, and come back with a more detailed financial proposal.
