Library board approves 5% raise for director, unanimously OKs routine financial reports

The Unicoi County Public Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved a 5% pay increase for Director Morgan Olson at its Sept. 26 meeting, and members also approved the July and August 2024 financial reports.

Olson formally requested the 5% raise to align her pay with increases granted to other staff. "More volunteers are still needed," Olson said earlier in the meeting while discussing programs; regarding the pay request she notified the board she was seeking parity with staff increases. Gail Snodgrass moved to approve the pay request and Jenna Lafever seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Earlier in the meeting Director Olson told the board that recent reporting issues had been corrected and that the larger-than-usual August expense reflected the final payment for shelving in the children’s room. The board approved the July financial report on a motion by Jan Bowden, seconded by Andy Frazier, and approved the August financial report on a motion by Gail Snodgrass, seconded by Jan Bowden; both votes were unanimous.

President Cathy Griffith noted an anticipated change in the minimum salary threshold that "is expected to be raised to about $58,000 per year," and that Olson’s current salary is below that level; the board did not record Olson’s current salary amount. Board members discussed wanting the approved increase to be retroactive to the start of the fiscal year in July if administratively possible, but no formal retroactivity decision was recorded at the meeting.

The meeting also completed routine business, and members adjourned at 6:41 p.m. The board’s next regular meeting is set for Oct. 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Unicoi County Public Library.