Public Library Board December 15

December meeting held at the main branch in Burlington.

Presentations

Representatives from Viox & Viox gave a presentation on the updated Hebron land use study. The reps went over the history of the Hebron branch. Initially, the Boone County Public Library (BCPL) purchased 51 acres for the branch. Only about 10 were needed for the branch itself, but the owner insisted it was an all or nothing purchase. The Ky Transportation Cabinet purchased several acres for putting in the roundabouts and a new road in between. Then in 2023 the Boone County-Florence Water Commission purchased an additional 3.1 acres for an inground water tank. A resident of Hebron purchased about 3 acres of land that was cut off by the road but was still considered library property. There are about 17 acres left.

After conducting two public meetings and the completion of a survey prepared by Viox & Viox, they determined that not much had changed since the land use study conducted in 2011. There were about 55 attendees at the meetings and an additional 14 online surveys submitted which, according to Viox & Viox, was actually a very good turnout comparatively. Basically, the residents gave a resounding NO to additional industrial, retail, multi-family units (apartments) or single-family residential dwellings. In 2011 there was interest in senior living on part of the land but in 2025 the most requested uses were park, natural trails, a dog park, a community center or recreational sports use (on a small scale).  The respondents were clear that industrial/retail up to the first roundabout at the library was OK, but further north residents want to keep the rural feel of Hebron. After discussion, Executive Director Carrie Herrmann (CH) indicated she could reach out to entities such as the Boone County Parks Department, the Boone County Extension Office and the Boone County Conservancy regarding potential uses of the land.

A second presentation was conducted by a representative of Kelley Galloway Smith Goolsby, PSC, regarding the independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Assets were $7.4 million as of the end of the fiscal year with an additional $3.4 million in assets. Total capital is $45 million, which includes the new Walton branch. The difference between revenue received and expenses incurred was essentially a break-even number: $10.4 million in revenue vs. $10.5 million in expenses.

The auditors noted in their report a concern regarding uncollateralized deposits, about $450,000 held at Truist. The second item regarded the Lord Abbott funds held by the BCPL. The KRS (Kentucky Revised Statute) allows investments in mutual funds but apparently the fund contained some of what are considered low grade junk bonds, which the KRS doesn’t allow. Per CH, this issue was already taken care of. 

Public Comment

Joe from Florence was present again. He indicated he was upset because the board meeting minutes didn’t address the “award” he gave to the BCPL Florence branch as the worst library branch. He asked for audit information, which Board member Dave Rich advised would be posted on the BCPL website. Joe stated he wants today’s meeting’s minutes to reflect that he wants the BCPL to spend less money! He also expressed his concern regarding the small conference room used at the Florence branch for last month’s meeting, which was packed, as he felt it was a fire hazard. Board member Rich stated the Board will use the larger conference room next time.

Director’s Report

So far $69,250 in grants has been received, with another $357,000 outstanding.

CH has written to the Ky attorney general requesting an interview regarding the library system. Sounds as if some other county libraries requested to attend. Exactly what the topic is remains unclear.

The lights for the Florence branch should be installed this week, weather permitting. 

The heat went out at the Scheben branch requiring them to close the branch for a couple days. Apparently several pipes burst. The branch will re-open Wednesday, December 17. In the meantime, they’ve tried to move scheduled programs to other locations. 

When CH indicated a staff member is leaving BCPL, Board member Deborah Dutton-Lambert (DDL) recommended that exit interviews with staff be in writing and reported to the Board at least on a quarterly basis. This policy change will be deferred to another board meeting as an added agenda item.

Accountant’s Report

All investments in the Lord Abbott funds have been moved out of Truist and are now in a fund containing treasury obligations only.

$3.6 million was collected in tax revenue for the month of November. Year-to-date, the BCPL has collected $8.2 million in revenue vs. $9.5 million in 2024. It is anticipated, however, that additional tax revenues will be received in December. The November financials will be sent by January 10 with December’s financials following shortly thereafter, which will allow the Board to review for any mid-year adjustments. 

Business

Further discussion was conducted regarding the Hebron land use study. A motion was made and approved for CH to reach out to the three entities mentioned above to see if they’d be interested in leasing or purchasing land for only the suggested uses given in the land use study.  The Board members agreed that they would prefer a lease option at this point, to maintain some control. 

A motion was also made and passed to accept the auditor’s report.

Board member Rich addressed the item he’d asked to be added to the agenda, namely benchmarking for operational efficiencies. Rich provided a report comparing all the library systems in the Commonwealth and using the State’s benchmarks for the “average” library. Rich indicated his research showed that Warren County (the Bowling Green area) was the most efficient library in the Commonwealth. Rich went over headcount, which for BCPL was about $53.00 per head, whereas Warren County was about $20 less per head. Rich also indicated he defined efficiency by high circulation counts and other benchmarks. BCPL is the benchmark for signing up people for library cards; no other library system does as well. Warren County appears to be very good at getting large crowds at their events. 

BCPL has 129 staff, but to be more efficient headcount should be about 73. Some of the BCPL infrastructure was not very efficient but that’s “water under the bridge.” The BCPL can, however, control operational decisions. There were a lot of questions and pushback from the other Board members. Rich stated he wants to address these issues to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more efficiently. Nothing decided at this meeting; it will be re-addressed at January’s Board meeting, which will be held at the Florence branch.

Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.