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Board debates sequencing of strategic plan and remodel as foundation reports 9% fundraising progress
Summary
Board members discussed whether to extend the current strategic plan or launch a new one, weighed public engagement methods, and heard that the GFPL Foundation has secured roughly 9% of its remodel fundraising goal with an estimated construction start around 2029 if progress continues; no formal planning vote was taken.
At the May 21 special meeting, Great Falls Public Library board members and staff discussed how strategic planning should align with an anticipated library remodel and the foundation's fundraising timeline.
Board member Sam DeForest urged prioritizing finalizing building plans and preparing operations for renovation rather than initiating extensive public surveys now. Director Amy Dissmeyer emphasized organizational focus on internal efficiencies and supporting the foundation's fundraising work during a prolonged capital campaign.
Brianne Laurin, GFPL Foundation Director, reported the campaign is in a leadership phase and said "approximately 9 percent of the fundraising goal has been secured," adding that successful campaigns often reach about 70 percent before public launch and estimating, if progress continues, construction could begin around 2029. Consulting Librarian Corey Sloan recommended using the existing master plan as a foundation for planning and noted public input can be gathered through multiple methods, including operational data and usage statistics.
Board members expressed differing views on timing: Ms. Whitney Olson said completing the remodel should be a primary focus and suggested simplifying strategic goals to align with that work; Ms. Noelle Johnson supported seeking public input but recommended delaying large-scale surveys until political polling subsides. Ms. DeForest proposed extending the current strategic plan while the board focuses on building plans; Ms. Johnson suggested a future motion to extend the existing plan through 2027. The board did not take formal action on the strategic plan or remodel timeline during the meeting.
