Kelly Tester called the monthly meeting of the Van Buren County Library Board to order at 5:11PM. Board members Joye Hawk, David Jeffries, and Kelly Tester were present, as well as Administrative Assistant Kim Tyler, Director Deborah Meyer, and Regional Director John McGraw. Board member Tracy Hastings joined by phone.
Minutes of the December 18 meeting were reviewed. David moved to accept the minutes as amended. Joye seconded the motion, which passed.
Financial reports were reviewed.
First Service Money Market account had a net gain of $991.98 for an ending balance of $98,900.63. There is $20.48 remaining in the Super Now account which will be folded into the Money Market account.
The First Security account had a net gain of $882.46 for an ending balance of $8,091.87.
The millage took in $118,389.07, better than the two prior December collections. For the 12 months prior, the sum was $533,231.58, down from the 12 months prior to that. Millage balance is $311,426.83. The payment on the building has been made for 2025. 2026 wil be the final full payment. A 2027 payment will cover any remainder.
The law library had an ending balance of $5,978.34. Some new law books have been purchased but are not reflected on this report.
Damascus had an ending balance of $3,415.43.
Joye moved to approve the financial reports. David seconded the motion, which passed.
Old Business
Regional board members for 2025 will be David Emmerling, David Jeffries, and Kelly Tester. Tracy offered to be a proxy as needed.
John noted that the board should also select a chair for 2025. David Jeffries volunteered and was approved by acclamation.
Deb requested that the minutes specifically indicate the board’s directive to close the First Service Super Now (#1023) account and deposit the money in the First Service Money Market (#3184) account. David Jeffries moved to close the Super Now account and deposit remaining funds in the Money Market account. Joye seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
New Business
Deb reported that a computer failure in the lockers had taken them offline. Replacement parts have arrived and need to be installed.
Niche Academy begins next week.
Deb requested authorization to purchase a Cover One book repair machine. The cost would be $1,300 approximately, to be paid from First Service. John reported that their Cover One is in use constantly, and that after repairing 50 books that would otherwise have to be reordered, the
machine will have paid for itself. Faulkner County staff can assist in training. David moved to approve the purchase. Joye seconded the motion, which passed.
David asked that Deb provide a list of spending needs for the first quarter at the February meeting.
Joye announced that she will be resigning from the board in the immediate future. Sources of suitable candidates were discussed.
The next county board meeting is February 19th.
The Regional board meeting on January 22nd will feature Jenn Wann of the State Library offering board training to both county boards at 5:30PM.
Joye moved to adjourn. David seconded the motion, which passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:51PM.
