HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-24 MinutesFayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Special Meeting
February 24, 2006
MINUTES
Prepared by Louise Schaper, Exec. Director
Board Members present. L Gottsponer, L. Brewer, A. de Noble, D. Ferritor, E. Jordan M Roberts and B. Schaffer.
Staff present: L. Schaper. Press present: Marsha Melnichak, NWA Times; Sarah Terry, Morning News.
The February 24, 2006 Board of Trustees special meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m. by L. Gottsponer.
1. L. Schaper thanked the trustees for attending this special meeting on the date for the referendum on the library
millage. She explained that after significant research April 11 was deemed the best date. She also explained that
the new law about special elections limits them to the second Tuesday of the month or the same date as general
elections. Because May and June were the general primary and run-off elections the Election Commission was not
enthusiastic about another issue on the ballot. Also, if we chose one of those dates it would be very costly to get
our message across to the voters. July was problematic because so many people are away. She added that every
year 64% of the library's.budget is uncertain. The additional millage would give the library a guaranteed and
stable income in contrast to its 90 -year history of uncertain funding. It would allow the library to "hold the gains"
it has made in developing a library commensurate with the expectations of a college town and continue
improvements, as well as meet the needs of Fayetteville's growing population. B. Schaffer asked if most Arkansas
public libraries were funded entirely with property tax. L. Schaper responded affirmatively; adding that only a few
libraries—mostly in Northwest Arkansas—receive any funding from their city or county's general fund.
2. M. Roberts moved to approve a resolution seeking the support and affirmation from the Mayor of the City of
Fayetteville to hold on April 11, 2006 a special election pursuant to Amendment 30 of the Constitution of the
State of Arkansas (see attached). L. Brewer seconded the motion. All voted aye.
3. At 11:40 a.m. B. Schaffer moved to adjourn, M. Roberts seconded. The meeting was adjoumed at 11:40 a.m.
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