Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Program Room 2B
Tom Bunger, Antonio Matthew, and Mercy Rodriguez
President John Walsh called the meeting to order at 5:49pm in Program Room 2B.
John reported that Sara had presented the library's capital projects fund proposal to the County Council at their work session on May 7 and at their public hearing on May 13. Several Board members attended one or both of the presentations.
Sara reported on the presentation last night. Five community members spoke in support of the funding and Council member Sophia Travis read a list of names of people who had contacted the Council in support of the library. The Council expressed support of the LCPF, but chose to table it, mainly because of uncertainty regarding changes caused by House Bill 1001. Sara summarized the changes as she understood them.
Council President Vic Kelson suggested we may want to submit it as part of our budget which the Council would have to review rather than approve.
Sara explained that Marty Hawk expressed concerns about the impact of future Library bonds on the total property tax levy for the County and wanted to make sure the Library wasn't going to ask for a bond. Sara stated that we were not requesting a bond.
Sara distributed a 2009 budget work plan for the library, and informed Trustees that we have to submit our operating budget to the County Council for their required budget hearings in mid August. Sara went over the steps, the state requirement, and dates to follow. We need to have our budget ready by June 13 to send to local newspapers.
Discussion followed regarding how we would put our budget together for next year.
John asked if it was possible to have a draft 2009 budget for the Board of Trustees’ next work session. Bonnie replied that we need feedback from our managers before we can prepare a draft. David suggested we use last year's budget as an example to look at, if the 2009 budget isn't ready by the next work session.
Janice discussed energy costs and what's happening to utility expenses in our community.
Sara stated she feels we have good support from the County Council. We need to start thinking about our overall budget. Sara requested the Board give her any suggestions they would like to see us make.
Fred suggested the staff put together information from last year's budget and what ideas managers have for next year's budget.
Janice stated managers should have a good idea of what department needs are, and she would like to hear their suggestions.
Penny stated she doesn't feel we should be complacent with the County Council. She thinks we should encourage people to keep writing letters and e-mailing the Council.
John asked if we know when we expect them to act on the motion. Sara responded they had until July 31. She said she would communicate with Council President Kelson.
Sara reported the Council had acknowledged John, Steve, Fred, and Randy in their meeting last night, and expressed their appreciation to each of them for their work and communication with the Council.
There was no public comment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3050
Updated:
June 23, 2008
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/board/200805wrk.html
