Trustees spar over $45,000 reallocation for possible executive director, fearing cuts to part-time staffing

During the treasurer’s report, trustees were told the county budget as proposed reduces part-time staffing funds by $45,000 and places that amount in a line for a new part-time supervisory position over library directors. The treasurer said the change came from the county budget committee and had not yet been approved by the full commission. “Our part-time funding was reduced by $45,000 and set aside for the creation of a new part-time supervisory position over the directors,” the treasurer reported.

Trustees reacted strongly, saying they had not discussed or approved creating an executive-director position and that shifting funds risks cutting crucial part-time positions and program budgets. Mayor Frank, who said he submitted the budget proposal to the county’s budget committee, told trustees the commission may reassign line items but that the board could choose not to use a funded executive-director line and instead return funds to part-time staff. The board did not change the budget at the meeting; trustees were advised to raise concerns with the county commission and to consider alternatives for preserving part-time staffing.