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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 30,2002Budget Minutes 1 LIBRARY BOARD/CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 7:00 P.M. The joint City Council/Library Board meeting about the library budget for 2003 was held in the activity room September 30, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. Those present were: Walt Fehst, Barbara Miller, Bill Elrite, Nancy Hoium, Patricia Sowada, Catherine Vesley, David Holmgren, Mayor Gary Peterson, Julienne Wyckoff, Marlaine Szurek, Bobby Williams, Bruce Nawrocki, and Rebecca Loader. Mayor Gary Peterson called the meeting to order at 7 :05p.m. Barbara Miller welcomed everyone. Barb talked about the Open House to be conducted on December 3, 2002. This will be the start of a yearlong celebration of7 5 years of service for the Library. The theme will be "From Wagon's to PC's: 75 years of service". She also highlighted the fact that 40% of Columbia Heights residents have active library cards, which by definition means they have been used within the last two years. A couple of upcoming fundraisers were also noted: the event at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, November 23, from 1 :00 to 4:00 p. m. and a special Foundation Board fundraiser at the Heights Theatre on December 15, when Holiday Inn will be shown at two different times. Pat Sowada presented a fact sheet listing the changes to expenditures. Personnel, supplies, other service charges, capital outlay, and contingencies/transfers were discussed and explained. Contingencies/transfers is for administrative overhead and also for unbudgeted items. David Holmgren discussed the Capital priorities portion of the budget. Each line item was explained and discussed along with the cost. The automation license was discussed. This is listed as the number 1 priority. Becky addressed this subject and spoke about the changes in technology and the migration to a client-server interface for the automated circulation system. Anoka County Library has changed their time line to obtain the necessary software and licensing fees for this project. The County is going to re-allocate the funds to the 2004 budget. The feasibility and manner in which Columbia Heights could do a similar deferment was raised. Bill Elrite answered that those funds could be re-allocated. Mr. Nawrocki asked how this discussion related to the money for the 5 pc's that were approved at the last City Council Meeting. It was explained that the money in question is for the software and licensing fees and what was approved was for hardware purchases. Nancy Hoium presented the information about the Library Levy and the revenue page. It was explained that the DVD' s that are being asked for in the budget would be a revenue-generating item, since there would be a dollar charge per DVD for feature films. Donation revenue was discussed. Donators often specifY which area of the library they would like the donated funds to be used in. Examples were given of Children's programming, large print materials, fire safety books. Copy machine fees were discussed when the question was raised by Mr. Nawrocki as to why copies at Columbia Heights are higher than the County. He also enquired about the use of a "copy card" such as is used at the Anoka County Library. Mr. Nawrocki made a complaint about the 15 cent cost of copies. A reply was given that the Board could discuss and address a change in the rate during a future Library Board Meeting. Catherine Vesley presented maintenance of effort information. The Library Board and staff are recommending that the library levy be set at $609,335 for 2003. Mr. Nawrocki asked how the per capita figures go from $22.17 to $32.90. The first figure is the minimum amount to be met and the latter figure is the amount needed to meet the proposed levy of $609,335. The Anoka County Library per capita levy does not include their capital improvement budget. It is for operating only. Population density also plays a role. Ms. Wyckoff asked about the difference between the proposed budget amount of$676,456 and the levy amount being less at $609,335. Part of the difference is comprised of revenue amounts. On the Library Revenue page it was noted that the document in the books is not what was proposed by the Library Board. Clarification was asked for from Bill Elrite, Finance Director. Finance changed the Current Ad 2 Valorem and added the Local Government Aid amount. Finance did this to keep the library budget similar to the General Fund budget. There have been levy limits imposed by the State and the Library is under the same limits. The supplemental LGA funds and Ad Valormen changes would allow us to meet the proposed budget and stay within levy guidelines. Ms. Wyckoff asked about support from local schools such as Immaculate Conception, and NEI. It was noted that Immaculate Conception has donated funds for books in the past. Classes from there visit the library to check out books on a once a month basis. NEI does not use the library in that manner, although ESL classes, which are conducted at their facility, do come to the library occasionally for "tours". They do not come on a recurring basis. 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. Property tax revenue was discussed. The expenditure increase is proposed at 11 %. Council members asked if you had to live with only a 3Yz% increase what would you cut. Cuts would be made in Capital and every effort would be made to protect service hours. Mr. Fehst, Mr. Elrite, and Mr. Nawrocki further discussed levy limits. There being no further questions the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 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.