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