August 2025 Minutes
Switzerland County Public Library
Board Meeting Minutes
August 12th, 2025
The regular monthly meeting of the Switzerland County Public Library Board of Trustees was held Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 3:36 pm in the meeting room of the library. Attending were Michelle Hicks, Don Tolliver, Diana Barry, Mary Jane Rogers, Heather Peelman, and Emily Fox. Not attending were Sharon Deck, Diane Sigmon, and Norman Miller.
Barry made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous board meeting, seconded by Tolliver and passed unanimously. Reports of library activity and technology activity were shared. Circulation slightly higher than June and summer reading ended with over 430 participants. The program was very well-received.
Bills and claims were presented. Tolliver made a motion to approve the claims, seconded by Rogers and passed unanimously.
Time for Public Comments
None.
Old Business
Tolliver complimented the library’s new lighting that was installed last week. Fox reported that the light fixtures are working well, but they were supposed to be black instead of white and is working to see what can be done.
New Business
Fox previewed the 2026 budget. Due to funding cuts, she is budgeting a 2.5% raise for staff. Tolliver asked if there was a possibility to re-evaluate mid-year if there is extra money and Fox said yes. Other large budget changes include increases in communication and transportation budget to account for internet services, potential increases in InfoExpress service, and for Fox to attend the PLA Conference in Minneapolis, as well as an increase in computer maintenance to account for new computers. Tolliver motioned to allow Fox to attend the conference, seconded by Barry and passed unanimously. The public budget hearing will be at the September meeting and adoption of the budget will be in October.
The Public Program Policy was review. A change was made to address newspaper advertisements since the Vevay Reveille closed. Hicks motioned to accept the changes, seconded by Tolliver and passed unanimously.
The Meeting Room Policy was reviewed. No changes were made.
The Library Behavior Policy was reviewed. Barry questioned language about asking patrons to leave due to bad body odor and asked how it was handled. Fox said she has only had to ask one group to leave and it was an extreme case. Tolliver mentioned potential legal challenges if the library adopted stricter language. Consensus was to keep the policy as-is.
The library will have modified hours during the Swiss Wine Festival and will be closed September 1st for Labor Day.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Emily Fox.