DIVIDE COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD MEETING – May 30, 2024
Meeting called to order by Mr. Nelson at 5:00 p.m. Board members present: Commissioner Isaac Jacobs, Nate Nelson, Rita Stewart, Carol Williams, Library Director Traci Lund. Absent: Mike Melgaard
Minutes from the March 25, 2024 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed.
Librarian’s report: Carpet replacement almost completed. Very thankful for the county shop guys coming to help. The last of the shelving should be delivered in 3-4 weeks.
Summer Reading started this week. 112 children, parents, and caregivers attended the program.
Library Director Traci Lund recorded a podcast with Mary Soucie, State Librarian. The Divide County Library once again received the Developing Library distinction. Ms. Lund has been reappointed to the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council. The Council toured the New Town library last week.
Old Business: Renovation Update – Security doors with key fob entrance are done. Waiting for a new door handle to be installed.
John & Elaine Andrist Grant and the NDLCC Grant have helped in funding the first round of renovating the library. The library will apply to the Glen Perkins Foundation for a new computer, copier, seating area, etc.
Discussed renovation expenses. Motion to move $7,500 from Donation account to general expenses made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.
Annual Report – End of the school year activities included sliming the librarian. Participation in the Accelerated Reader program has increased. Partnership with the school has been fantastic.
New Business: 2025 Budget
Copier Budget – Ms. Lund is writing a grant to hopefully get the copier replaced. Motion to approve copier budget as presented made by Mr. Jacobs, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.
Investment Account increased $3,794.54 in 2023. Motion to approve the Investment Fund made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.
Library Fund has an estimated $100 increase in fire and tornado insurance and an increase in $20 for dues in 2025. The annual $9,000 transfer from general fund to the library did not happen this year.
The Divide County Library is allowed 4 mills which could translate to about $160,000. Best case scenario is receiving 90-95% of this amount. Looking at the 2025 budget, the library at its current spending is at a $16,096.40 deficit. The library, without changes, will be in the red this year.
Possible solutions to the budget deficit were reviewed. The board spent an incredible amount of time discussing all the possible options to keep the full-time position viable. The numbers as presented show a deficit of $6852.85 for the end of 2024. Due to this, action needs to be taken for this year.
Options discussed:
1. Cut position effective immediately
2. Continue position till the end of August
3. Continue position till the end of September- Traci feels that with tightening the remainder of the budget, it is possible to keep the full-time position until then.
4. Cut to 32 hours- this does not bridge the deficit gap enough
5. Transfer money from the county’s general fund- this is not feasible or viable for the future
6. Reduce to a single health care plan- This would affect the entire county employees and would not fix the immediate need of cost savings.
7. Cut to minimum wage plus full health care
8. Share employee with an additional County office- At this time no positions are available nor is the county hiring.
Ultimately, due to the monetary constraints on the budget, the board decided to make the decision to reduce the full-time librarian aide position to part-time.
Motion to eliminate full-time librarian aide position by August 31, 2024 made by Mr. Jacobs, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to add part-time library aide position, 15 to 20 hours a week, pay based on experience on September 1, 2024, made by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Williams. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve 1.5% salary increase for 2025 made by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously.
Review of Policies – Reviewed Gift and Donation Policy. Motion to approve Gift and Donation Policy made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Ms. Stewart. Motion passed unanimously
Reviewed Social Media Policy. Motion to approve Social Media Policy made by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Jacobs. Motion passed unanimously
Dolly Parton Imagination Library funding discussed. It has sent 4,425 books to preschool age children. The school has paid the last 2 months. CHS Seeds of Stewardship grant and NCA matches have been applied for.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Ms. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Nelson. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Next Meeting: Special Budget Meeting June 10th 7:30 a.m.
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