Committee authorizes director to negotiate 2% rent increase for Connecticut Library Consortium

The Russell Library finance committee on Tuesday authorized the director to negotiate a two‑year lease with the Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) that would raise the consortium’s rent by 2% over its current rate.

Ramona, the library director, told the committee that CLC currently “are paying per month $1,559.86,” and that the lease for the second‑floor office at 234 Court Street expires in late April. She recommended authorizing the director to enter a two‑year agreement if CLC is amenable. “The committee could vote to authorize me to enter into a 2 year lease with Connecticut Library Consortium at a 2% increase over what they’re paying now,” Ramona said, proposing the committee give her authority to finalize terms.

Bob moved the authorization and Laurie seconded; the committee voted in favor. Committee members said the 2% figure is modest, would give CLC notice about budgeting, and would avoid annual renegotiation. Members noted that second‑floor walk‑up office space is not in high market demand and that CLC’s parking is challenging, factors that informed the group’s decision to keep the increase modest.

Ramona will contact Ellen, CLC’s director, to begin negotiations and will report back. The committee agreed that, should negotiations fail, it could reconvene or ask Ramona to pursue alternative terms.