HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 18, 2004 Budget Minutes
LIBRARY BOARD/CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET MEETING
October 18, 2004
7:00 P.M.
The joint City Council/Library Board meeting about the library budget for 2005 was held
in the activity room October 18, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. Those present were: Linda Magee, Barbara
Miller, Bill Elrite, Audrey Hyatt, Patricia Sowada, Catherine Vesley, Mayor Julienne Wyckoff,
Bobby Williams, Bruce Nawrocki, Tami Erickson, Bruce Kelzenberg, Marsha Tubbs, and
Rebecca Loader.
Mayor Julienne Wyckoff called the meeting to order at 7:05p.m. Barbara Miller
welcomed everyone and introductions were made.
Becky reviewed the order the meeting would follow and introduced Marsha Tubbs,
Children’s Librarian, to speak about Children’s programming.
Marsha presented information to the Council highlighting programs that are offered for
children and families in the Children’s Department. Statistics for program participation were
cited. In 2003 over 3, 000 people utilized the programs offered in the library. In addition, over
2,200 people participated in “outreach” programs. These are programs offered by the library, but
are held off site. These off site locations include schools, daycares, church groups, and ESL
(English as a Second Language) locations. The importance of reading to children for success
later in life was discussed. Tami Erickson, Mayor Julienne Wyckoff, and Patricia Sowada
complimented Marsha on all of the effort she extends for the success of these programs.
Catherine Vesley also asked that she speak about the Teen Volunteer program. Marsha reported
teens this summer volunteered over 800 hours and helped staff cope with the tremendous
workflow from all of the summer reading programs, story and craft time, and Super Tuesday
programming.
Catherine Vesley presented the information contained in the budget narrative portion of
the budget documents. The issue of the cost of street assessments was discussed. Catherine
asked Bill Elrite, Finance Director, to address the subject of funding these improvements on a
citywide basis. Bill Elrite has discussed the excessively high costs of improvements to several
departments this year with the City Manager. A proposal to use the Capital Improvement Fund to
help fund these special assessments is being explored. This proposal would help ease undo
hardship on City departments.
Bruce Nawrocki, using figures from August 30, 2004, stated that the library has spent
only 59% of its budgeted amount of funds. In a document dated October 14, 2004, Becky
updated the information, and the current percentage expended as of September 30, 2004, is 68%.
It was also noted that expenditures at the library fluctuate, (i.e. more money expended on
materials in September because school is back in session and more books are purchased). Mr.
Nawrocki asked about the amount of money held in the Fund Balance. The fund balance is a
State Auditor and City required measure that allows the Library to meet cash flow needs until the
first installment of property taxes are paid in May. Part-time employee wages were discussed.
Part-time salaries are frozen; the increase listed in part-time salaries is the result of staff that are
still progressing through wage steps.
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Maintenance of Effort figures were reviewed. Per Capita requirements were also
reviewed. Mr. Nawrocki brought up the issue of Anoka County Library and potential merger
discussions. Staff listed the numerous conversations that have been held in the past with the
County, which has not initiated any meetings on the part of the County to combine services.
Pat Sowada presented the Summary by Class information.
Audrey Hyatt presented the Library Revenue information. It was noted that fees collected
for video and DVD rentals are substantially higher this year. The revenue collected for printer
copies has increased, due to the printers now being located behind the desk and no longer relying
on the “honor” system. Problems with the coin-op on the public copier and the resulting problem
with the vendor were mentioned.
Becky discussed the 2005 budget worksheet section. There is a 0% change for 2005. Mr.
Nawrocki questioned the projection for gas costs. Becky reported that the figure was determined
based on the information provided by the Finance Dept. The document listing major points and
cuts to highlighted line items was reviewed. When asked by Council what the priority of adding
items back into the budget would be the response was the following: (1) line item 3050, (2) line
item 2170, (3) line item 4375, (4) line item 3430, (5) line item 2171 (6) line item 2183 and (7) line
item 2184.
Mr. Nawrocki asked about donations from the Friends of the Library. Becky responded
that after the budget has been approved a “wish list” of items eliminated from the budget is
presented to the Friends. They then decide what they would like to purchase for the Library.
When asked for a dollar amount of their gifts, Becky responded that depending on their profits
from the book sale, in the past two years they have donated approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per
year in goods.
This concluded the formal presentation of the 2005 proposed detail budget information.
The floor was opened for general questions.
There being no further questions the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 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.
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