August 2023 Minutes
Switzerland County Public Library
Board Meeting Minutes
August 8th, 2023
The regular monthly meeting of the Switzerland County Public Library Board of Trustees was held Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 3:38 pm in the meeting room of the library. Attending were Debbie Margison, Mary Jane Rogers, Stacy Streett, and Emily Fox. Not attending were Diane Sigmon, Michelle Hicks, Sharon Deck, and Heather Peelman.
Rogers made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous board meeting, seconded by Margison and passed unanimously. Reports of library activity and technology activity were shared. Overall circulation was not as high as anticipated, but children’s and e-material circulation numbers were higher than usual. Transition to Pillow Logistics caused incoming transits to be around 50% fewer than average. Summer Reading wrapped up with 178 children and 117 adults participating. Full-time staff are planning to do many things differently next year in order to make the focus more about reading and experiences and less about prizes.
Bills and claims were presented. Barry made a motion to approve the claims, seconded by Rogers and passed unanimously.
Time for Public Comments
None.
Old Business
Fox reported Outdoor Learning Lab construction is complete as of July 31st. Extra maintenance is also complete with the exception of the lighting, which is scheduled to arrive at Teton Corporation by the end of the month. She has also contacted Morris Landscaping about some of the plants in the planters dying despite watering, and someone will be out to assess and replace plants soon.
The Donations Policy review was tabled. Fox shared that since the last meeting, a book covered in bug droppings and remains was found on the free shelf, proving that a more solid donations policy needs to be in place, including the right of the library to refuse donations.
New Business
Fox presented a preview of the 2024 budget, accompanied by the current appropriation report. She explained that in the next year, a computer, switch, and server will all need to be purchased. The total of all items will be approximately $15,000. Since a large sum of money was used for maintenance this year, it will be more difficult to come up with the money in 2023. Rising costs of labor and materials will make it difficult in 2024 as well.
Potential raises for staff were brought forth and discussed, as requested at the end of 2022. The board gave a mid-year raise in 2021 and bonuses in 2021 and 2022 to use up excess funds, offer more competitive wages, and boost staff morale. Discussion was held. Fox said she thought the best option would be to forgo a mid-year raise and give a 5% across-the-board raise in November, when salaries are usually set and have that raise take effect immediately rather than wait until 2024. At the December meeting, excess funds from the salary category of the operating fund could be transferred to computer maintenance in order to fund the new server. Another raise could be discussed in early to mid-2024. Consensus was to hold an executive session to discuss further at a later date.
The resolution to join the e-rate consortium for 2024-25 was presented. Streett motioned to accept, seconded by Margison and passed unanimously.
The Public Program Policy was reviewed. Rogers motioned to accept the formatting changes, seconded by Margison and passed unanimously.
The Meeting Room Policy and agreement form were reviewed. Discussion was held. Barry suggested language be changed to state that the minimum cleaning fee would be $25 rather than $25 per hour. Changes will be discussed further at the September meeting.
The Library Behavior Policy was reviewed, Rogers motioned to accept the formatting changes, seconded by Streett and passed unanimously.
The Telephone Use Policy was reviewed. Margison motioned to accept the formatting changes, seconded by Barry and passed unanimously.
The Library will operate under amended hours during the Swiss Wine Festival. Fox also mentioned that a patron has complained that the handicap lines in the parking lot have faded. Fox said she would like to get the parking lot sealed, but it is not financially possible this year.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Emily Fox.