HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-29 MinutesMinutes
Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees Special Meeting 11/29/94 at 3:00
p.m
Attending: Mark Burdette, Jeff Koenig, Carol Phillips, Michael Thomas -
Trustees; Linda Harrison, Karen Duree; Mary Jo Godfrey, Lynaire Hartsell, June
Jefferson, Lolly Maxey - Staff_
President Thomas called the meeting to order and announced that the press had
been notified of the meeting and its purpose (to review policy manuals and
discuss the 1995 Operations Budget)_
Thomas reported on the meeting with Kevin Crosson and Steve Davis. Of the
$140,768 that the library requested in the 1995 Operations Budget, the city will
be able to fund $25,000. There have been $900,000 of additional requests in the
General Fund and only $400,000 could be funded. Most of the $400,000 is going
to the Police and Fire departments_
Thomas discussed the possibility of pursuing a request for 1 of the City's 5
discretionary mills since the Fayetteville voters supported the county millage
effort_ We would be requesting this as a temporary measure until such time as
there is another election which is successful. Koenig cautioned that if it will
be a temporary measure, we must understand that if a county mill passes in the
future, we will receive less than we would from a city mill because of ORL costs_
Koenig also suggested that pursuing a temporary 1 mill be coupled with assurances
from the City that support from the General Fund not drop below the 1994 level
of $282,272_ Since the Quorum Court levies taxes at their November meeting, it
is too late to ask for a city mill to help us in 1995_ It was agreed to take
these thoughts to the City Council in January, 1995 while the election results
are still fresh in everyone's mind.
Koenig stated that since the people in the County have chosen not to impose
additional tax on themselves, Fayetteville should not subsidize the smaller
libraries and should not have to close its doors in order to keep Lincoln open.
Closing the smaller libraries would free additional money from allotments and
reductions in ORL costs that could be used by Fayetteville and Springdale.
Koenig then turned the discussion to the use of our Long -Term Development funds
for 1995 Operations_ He suggested that these funds could then be replaced with
some of the money from a city mill. Should we close, he has a public relations
problem with being unable to answer the question, "Why are you closing when you
have $300,000 that you could spend?" Phillips and Burdette noted that the funds
have not been designated for operations but for Long -Term Development. The Fund
is not a renewal resource but a one-time bequest_ Koening suggested that when
the discretionary mill is requested that the package would include the City
replacing the Long -Term Funds used for Operations. Concern was expressed that
this was a risk that the trustees preferred to avoid without a clear commitment
from the City. Again, the library's credibility with the voters was noted. Many
of those voting for the millage expect the library to take the action to reduce
services as was declared during the campaign would be necessary. After
considerable discussion no action was taken on this matter which will be
discussed further at the next meeting.
Pi 4-1UU.vH moved, Burdette seconded, to adopt a budget of $539,729. Passed_
It was agreed to attend the Council's Budget Session on Dec. 6 in order to advise
them that with the $25,000 over the Target Budget figure, we will need to reduce
hours of service by at least 16 hours per week_
After a short break, everyone present, except Koenig resumed to discuss policy
revisions.
All revisions discussed are attached for final adoption at the Dec. 12 policy
session scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Harrison
Acting Secretary