August 2007 Public Budget Hearing

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Attendance
Penny Austin, Linda Hunt, Steve Moberly, Randy Paul, Fred Risinger, Janice Stockton, and John Walsh.
Staff
Steve Backs, Ned Baugh, Donna Brosman, Bonnie Estell, Mike Faulkenberg, Mary Frasier, Marla Gray, Margaret Harter, Chris Jackson, Mary Loro, Mickey Needham, Martha Odya, Paula Gray Overtoom, Martin O'Neil, Jane Ruddick, Sue Sater, Kathy Starks-Dyer, Bara Swinson, Ginger Ziglar Thomas, Pam Wasmer, Michael White, and Josh Wolf.
Others

John Anderson, Dana Andrews, Tom Bunger, Antonio Matthew, and Jim Whitlatch.

Call to Order

President Steve Moberly called the meeting to order at 5:46pm in Meeting Room 1B.

Statutory Public Hearing on 2008 Library Budget

Steve explained the state laws that require a budget hearing. Steve stated he budget increased 1.7% over 2006 budget. It does include a 3% cost of living adjustment of employees of MCPL. Other sources of revenue will exceed what we plan to spend next year.

Steve opened the floor to the public for public comment about the budget.

There was no public comment about the budget.

Penny Austin moved to approve this budget. Stephen responded to Penny, indicating that she is a couple of weeks premature with the motion, and the budget was not an action item in today's meeting

2008 Budget

There was Board discussion on the 2008 Library Budget. Discussion included health and retirement benefits. Bonnie distributed worksheets to the Board and reported on different options for the health insurance and for retirees between ages 60-65.

Discussion continued regarding costs. Steve Moberly asked Jim Whitlatch, Library counsel, if we had looked over the spreadsheets and if he had any problems with this. Jim responded he had looked over it and it looks fine. Steve asked Bonnie to prepare a resolution for the September Board meeting.

Discussion followed on the Living Wage. Steve asked Bonnie and Ginger to prepare additional resolutions for the salary increases, including the Living Wage, and any personnel issues relating to facts and figures.

Linda reminded the Board that the budget is a planning document; a working document. There has been reallocation throughout the process. We are looking toward the point that funds out there one day will decrease. If we can save money in one line, it might make it possible to spend in others. Linda concluded by indicating that cash can take care of things, rather than dealing with it in a base budget.

Steve Moberly agreed and stated we can decrease the budget, but we cannot increase it. Whatever the amounts are (the amounts that we decide on), cannot exceed what we have advertised. Steve asked for any further questions from the Board. There were none.

Personnel Matters

Steve Moberly announced that Cynthia Gray has resigned. Her resignation date is August 31, 2007.

Linda Hunt moved to accept the resignation of Cynthia Gray effective August 31, 2007, and to authorize Steve Moberly to authorize a severance package with Cynthia Gray and legal counsel for the Library. Fred Risinger seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Steve Moberly stated that Cindy Gray will issue a statement after this meeting for media and staff. As the Board President, Steve's statement will be given to Margaret Harter, our Community Relations Coordinator, for announcement to the media.

Old Business

There was none.

New Business

Randy Paul asked the Board to consider that while we are trying to balance a budget, and look for a way to find additional revenue to replace funds needed, he would encourage the Board to establish a task force to review options. Steve replied that the Board can talk about this at the work session on September 5, and can look at some possible representatives.

Public Comment

Antonia Matthews thanked the Board for their work on the Budget and for the Library's good tradition of programs for adults and children. Antonia suggested the Board offer some educational meetings to patrons on how the budget is put together for future budget preparations. As a patron she would like to be able to make intelligent and informed comments on budget items.

Valerie Merriam thanked the Board for their deliberation today, and stated she feels like civility has returned today. Valerie also thanked some of the audience for their input over the past 6 weeks. Valerie stated she is thrilled with the retirement and the discussion of Living Wage, and she is pleased to see the Board discussing domestic partner insurance. She also stated she hopes the Board can maintain the facilities and the hours of the Library, but down the road, she is aware that we will have to consider cutting hours to maintain the cost of library employees. Valerie wished the Board well on the task force.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:31pm.