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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 2, 2001 Buget Minutes 1 LIBRARY BOARD/CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING OCTOBER 2, 2001 6:00 P.M. The joint City Council/Library Board meeting about the library budget for 2002 was held in the activity room October 2, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. Those present were: Walt Fehst, Barbara Miller, Bill Elrite, Nancy Hoium, Patricia Sowada, Catherine Vesley, Mayor Gary Peterson, Julienne Wyckoff, Marlaine Szurek, Bobby Williams, Bruce Nawrocki, and Rebecca Loader. Mayor Gary Peterson called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Barbara Miller welcomed everyone. It was explained that the meeting would be similar to past years. The agenda would be followed, with a time for questions after each presentation. She also explained that the City Manager had requested staff to submit a document outlining a 10% cut from the Library Board proposed budget and that document is included in the budget books that were distributed. A fact sheet presenting figures and percentage differences for selected expenditures was presented by Pat Sowada. The increases in personnel, and capital outlay were explained. The supply budget, other service charges and contingencies and transfers figures all show a decrease. The City Council asked whether the figures were before or after the 10%. It was stated that all figures being presented at this time were Library Board proposed figures and were before the 10% cut. Catherine Vesley presented the capital priorities portion. The first capital improvement priority is for the TAOS license, which is required for the automated circulation system. The second priority is for 5 pc workstations to be used for circulation functions. The third priority is a router for use with the automated circulation system. The fourth priority is circulation peripherals. The top 4 priorities are for upgrading the circulation system, which needs to be completed to comply with the County and is for equipment and licensing to run the new software the County will install. Additional priorities include office furniture, a circulation desk, replacing ballasts and adding track lighting. All priorities have a number beside them listing their order of importance. Bobby Williams asked about fundraisers. Fundraisers could be used for other items but should not be relied upon for basic services. Bruce Nawrocki questioned the increases from 1999 through 2001. It was stated that what shows up as being proposed is not always what has in reality been spent. These are 1987 computers and in this technical age it is almost unheard of to have equipment that old. Ms. Vesley reminded everyone that this is an aging facility and you have to furnish and upgrade it. Nancy Hoium presented the Library levy and revenue information. The Library Board is asking for an 8% increase. The levy amount requested is $591,588. Prior to 1999 the library had several years of no increases in the levy. The auditors had stated that the fund balance must be 40% of the approved budget to th get us through until the first tax payments are made on May 15. The revenue and money collected page was reviewed. Bruce Nawrocki asked what the current fund balance for the library was? The answer to this request was referred to Finance Director, Bill Elrite. He did not have the exact figure with him at this meeting. Becky Loader presented maintenance of effort information. There was no change in the tax capacity for the next year. The State Department of Children, Families, and Learning determines the minimum level of local support. This minimum is $500,244 for the year 2002. This is a minimum. The 2 library could not continue to operate at the current level of service on this amount. The amount needed to meet the contract with Anoka County Library was also reviewed. The Library Board proposed budget amount is $591,588. This is the original proposal. On page 20 is a document prepared by the department outlining a 10% proposed decrease to the original budget. The City Manager proposed budget includes the deductions made on page 20. Additional cuts would require closing some hours. We are currently open 60 hours per week. General questions were asked about the proposed cuts: What about money from grants? Grants for personnel are rare but could be used for items such as a circulation desk. Levy recommendation questions were discussed between the City Manager and Bobby Williams. The budget reductions on page 20 of the detail budget are by line item not in prioritized order. The priorities are listed on page 19 of said document. Bobby Williams asked why the levy is less than the proposed budget amount. The levy is less because the library relies on other revenues to make up the dollar amount difference. The Board stated that they were not happy about the proposed cuts but understood that these are difficult times and hope to meet somewhere in the middle. The City Council members invited the Board to come to City Council meetings to express their support. Anoka County Library was discussed. The question about Columbia Heights becoming a part of the County has been addressed before. The current cooperative agreement between Columbia Heights and the County system works well. Being aware that the population concentration in the County is to the north, a merger might result in the library and its services not being here for our residents. The Council again asked that the Board members promote our library live on tv at the City Council meetings. There being no further questions the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jeanine M. Schmidt, Secretary to the Library Board of Trustees. The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities.