Date: May 13, 2026
Location: Divide County Library
Attendance
Present:
- Nate Nelson
- Shane Gunlock
- Rosemary Tanberg
- Rita Stewart
- Isaac Jacobs – via phone
- Traci Lund – Librarian
Call to Order
Nate Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. No members of the public were present.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The board reviewed the minutes from the March 4, 2026 meeting. A correction was noted to change the name “Andrus” to “Andrist.”
Isaac Jacobs moved to approve the March 4, 2026 meeting minutes with the noted correction. The motion was seconded by Rita Stewart. Motion carried.
Library Report – Operations & Programming
Traci Lund presented the library report.
The Summer Reading Program is approximately 91% prepared and is scheduled to begin in two weeks. This year’s theme is dinosaurs, and the library is partnering with Bowman to offer an online paleontologist program.
Teen prizes have been arranged using a format similar to last year’s program, which was well received. The adult reading program, “Read the Rainbow,” encourages participants to select books based on cover color and has been gaining interest.
The library will again participate in the 529 Signup Plan, which gives participating children an opportunity to win one of two statewide 529 awards in North Dakota.
Library inventory began May 13 and will continue through the next board meeting.
A new staff laptop was received through Anna Benson. The laptop is already improving staff mobility and workflow within the library.
2027 Budget Review & Levy Discussion
The board reviewed the proposed 2027 budget. It was noted that actual receipts are fixed, while estimates are based on financial information beginning at the end of March.
The library is expected to finish the current year in a strong financial position. Salaries may run a few thousand dollars over the original estimate, but the current budget is expected to absorb the additional expense.
The higher miscellaneous expense amount includes grant-related spending. Approximately $12,000 in grant funding is expected during the current year. Grant revenue for 2027 is currently budgeted at $0 because no grants have yet been approved for that year.
The library also had a stronger rollover from the previous year than anticipated, approximately $25,000 above projections, which has improved the library’s current financial position.
Several expense adjustments were included in the proposed budget:
- Telephone expenses increased by $100.
- Insurance expenses increased by $50. NADURF costs vary annually; last year’s premium was $424, with the upcoming bill expected in July.
- Dues increased by $25 due to an increase in NDLA membership costs.
Salary projections include a 1.5% pay increase, updated longevity amounts, and an 8% increase in insurance premiums, which was noted as one of the lowest premium increases in recent years.
The budget also accounts for uncertainty in staffing levels. Bonnie may be available for approximately 20 hours per week. Chesney’s future availability is uncertain, as she may move in August or September. To avoid under-budgeting, the proposed budget assumes 20 hours per week for each position.
During the review, an error was identified in the worksheet involving the assistant salary column. The error was corrected during the meeting, and Traci will resend corrected copies of the budget to all board members.
Projected 2027 expenses were discussed at approximately $161,000, representing an increase of roughly $6,000–$7,000 in one comparison.
The board discussed the amount to request from the county through the levy. Discussion centered on requesting $120,000, compared with the previous year’s maximum request of $140,000. The higher request had previously been used to help the library recover financially after determining that moving a position to full-time was not sustainable.
The proposed budget also included the provision that any library staff raises will match the percentage increase granted by the county to county employees.
Motion: Rita Stewart moved to approve the 2027 budget as presented, with the provision that library staff raises will follow the percentage granted by the county. Rosemary Tanberg seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Investment Fund Budget & Accounting
The board reviewed the library investment fund budget. It was clarified that several amounts reflected grant funds, including funds referenced as coming from Phelps.
The board discussed how transfers into certificates of deposit should be represented in financial reports. Because the funds remain owned by the library and are simply transferred into a less-liquid account, CD transfers should be earmarked or annotated as transfers rather than recorded as expenses.
Motion: Shane Gunlock moved to approve the library investment fund as presented. Rita Stewart seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Copier expenses are currently absorbed within the library’s general funds. The copier line item will remain on the budget for one additional year for tracking purposes and is expected to be removed next year.
No library policies required review at this meeting.
Motion: Nate Nelson moved to adjourn, and Rosemary Tanberg seconded the motion. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at 5:57PM.
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