Public Library Board March 16
Public Comment
There were 2 public commenters and one observer.
Commenter Joe Berkshire is still concerned about the three Ps: prayer, pledge and podium. At that point the observer interjected she thought it was inappropriate to have prayer or pledge at the meeting. She and Joe debated with no intervention from the Board until the second commenter asked it be stopped. Joe then proceeded to produce a photo of someone sleeping on the porch of the BCPL Florence branch. He asked if cameras recorded this but the BCPL either doesn’t have exterior cameras or doesn’t record outside normal hours. Joe has been reading meeting minutes and brought up that December’s minutes indicate the BCPL has 73% higher staff costs than other regional libraries, and that he is concerned how library funds are spent. He also expressed concern that the library board meets at 4 p.m. and requested they meet later so citizens can attend after work hours. Board Member Reisz commented that she’s heard no objections and the Board has been meeting at this time even before her tenure began. Joe commented that he’s spoken to individuals who expressed their belief that the Board meets early to avoid having to address more citizens’ concerns. The observer asked to rebut Joe’s remarks but the Board denied the request.
Commenter Barbara Jacobson of Hebron said her continuing issue is the BCPL not providing balanced reading material. The publications are still more left-leaning such as the New York Times whereas statistics show that 60% of Boone County residents are registered Republicans (presumably right-leaning). She advised the Board that she approached Judge Gary Moore recently regarding her continued concerns and he advised her to address the Board again as “things have changed.” She offered again to donate a subscription to the Epoch Times, which provides excellent content from a more conservative viewpoint. This offer was previously declined by the Board. Board Chair Jackson stated the Board would take her offer under advisement.
Director’s Report
Executive Director Carrie Herrmann (CH) attended Legislative Days in Washington, DC, and put forward a request for funding specifically for the Institute for Museum & Library Services and more funding for school libraries.
On April 2 CH will meet with the City of Florence to discuss the Florence branch renovation/rebuild options and will then set up three community engagement meetings. She will provide dates to the Board.
The Scheben branch held its passport fair and processed 94 passport applications.
The BCPL added its second media services station at the main branch, allowing library patrons to digitize VHS tapes, audio tapes, etc.
With regard to staffing issues, the Youth Services & Outreach Director is retiring, along with a Youth Development and Circulation assistant.
CH reported the accountant requested proposals from six accounting firms. Board member Rich requested a list of the firms contacted. The accountant has received three responses so far. Rich also asked for an update on the collection mapping. CH indicated that mapping for the smaller branches has been completed and only Scheben and the main library remain. Staff is looking at square footage of shelving available to be replaced with what’s more popular, such as study rooms.
Rich asked about the hiring status for the Business Services Director position. CH indicated they are still interviewing but seeing no real qualified candidates other than the one they are waiting to come onboard in a few months.
Rich then raised the issue regarding $8 million in a non-interest-bearing account. Apparently the Business Services Administrator is designated to transfer these funds when hired. Rich expressed his concern that in the meantime, by not investing in a vehicle that is interest bearing, the BCPL could lose up to $13,000 per month because they won’t be using this $8 million all at once. It would seem more cost effective to invest the funds in something that would generate interest.
Accountant’s Report
Total revenue year-to-date is $11,260,000 with $5,890,000 in district expenses. Rich brought up the issue that some prior year taxes are refunded so this should be included in the budget process. Rich is also concerned the previous budget year cash received was more than cash paid out. CH and the accountant indicated there is always a surplus in April to balance out mid-year. Rich also wanted to know when the BCPL replenishes its cash receipts. BCPL has spent more in the last 7-9 years than what was received in overall cash. BCPL needs to build up their cash reserves. Board member Reisz advised that a capital expenditure plan is needed along with the budget. Rich claims the BCPL spent zero in capital expenditures in some of these years (other than when the Hebron and Walton branches were built) and yet still drew down cash.
Rich then requested the history of the Hebron land purchase by the BCPL. Per CH this was done on March 15, 2005, for a total of 51.663 acres; $3,086,600 was the original purchase price. There are now 44 acres, which includes the acreage the Hebron branch sits on. Rich is still pushing to resolve the sale/lease of the excess acres. CH indicated she presented the option to purchase/lease to the committees for the Parks Department and the Extension Office and is waiting to hear back.
Business
The Artificial Intelligence policy was reviewed by the Board including recommendations by the Board members. The Board approved unanimously.
The Data Classification policy was also approved by the Board.
Lastly, the investment policy, including Board members’ recommendations, was reviewed. Reisz requested putting more “teeth” in the info obtained from the banks. After further discussion, additional details will be submitted by Reisz to CH by April 3. The investment policy appoints CH as the temporary investment officer but Rich expressed concern as to who checks CH. Rich also felt that an annual compliance certification be obtained by the Board from the investment officer indicating the policy was followed. Reisz felt this was overkill.
The Board reviewed CH’s survey results on the operating hours for the entire BCPL system. Currently all branches but the Chapin Memorial Library (CML) and the Florence branch have Sunday hours from 1 to 5 p.m. but only the main branch gets much traffic on that day. CH suggested leaving Sunday hours at the Scheben and main branches. The survey showed no one felt any real change was needed in hours other than at the CML. Rich felt that only the main branch should be open on Sundays. Reisz suggested making no changes to current hours at all, and the Board decided to make no changes.
The Board discussed the salary schedule update. A consultant provided info for the Board’s review. Board member Deborah Dutton-Lambert (DDL) advised she believes the salary schedule should be tied to performance. She also stressed the importance of having exit interviews for all terminating employees. Total staff cost for fiscal year 2026 was $7,298,802; it has been updated to $8,443,606 for fiscal year 2027.
After further discussion and concerns shared by all Board members, it was decided they would provide more feedback at the April meeting’s budget discussion.
The Board then addressed banking recommendations regarding the Truist funds that the Board deems must be moved. The accountant and CH met with Fifth Third Bank and Republic Bank. Republic submitted a proposal on March 6 showing a fund earnings rate of 3.5% with no fees. They followed up March 9 with Fifth Third, which offered a 3.75% interest rate. Rich suggested buying US treasuries for liquidity vs. CDs. DDL expressed concerns about risking taxpayer dollars but Rich indicated County and State utilize treasuries. The accountant recommended going with Republic Bank as they appear easier to work with and she can request the higher rate to match Fifth Third’s quote.
After a very lively discussion, Rich moved to leave the funds at Truist until the next meeting and offered to bring investment alternatives for the Board to review. DDL opposed, so it was suggested that the Board’s Treasurer (Reisz) review alternatives. DDL again expressed her discomfort with the Board engaging directly with entities like Fidelity and other mutual funds. Rich indicated he wasn’t recommending mutual funds but rather investing in only government securities. Board Chair Jackson and DDL worried about optics of investing with mutual funds vs. a local bank. DDL made a motion to follow the accountant’s recommendations to move the funds to Republic Bank for a one-year period and get the best rate possible. CH was designated to carry this out as temporary investment officer. The Board approved, with Rich dissenting.
Due to the hour, the last three Board agenda items will be moved to the April or May meetings. The Board adjourned at 7:00 p.m.