DATE:Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Cheryl Becker confirmed that Senate Bill 273, the Language Bill, passed, becoming Act 226. It has been incorporated into Chapter 43. Senate Bill 272, the Reform Bill, also passed, becoming Act 420. Legislative issues are discussed on the SCLS website, under the Law section.
Meg Allen reported on activities related to the Sauk County Fair. David Landau, a singer/musician/storyteller performed at the Barnyard Theater on Friday afternoon. The performance had fair attendance, considering the extreme heat on that day. Given the uncertain conditions for these performances from one year to the next, the Librarians are considering using their funds to rent a booth in the Commercial Building next year, instead of hiring a performer. Children were also given coupon bags provided by UW Extension.
This has now been accomplished. Sauk County will receive about $218,000.00 less (2005 equalized value) from Lake Delton for Library Taxes following the change. This may mean that the Library Tax portion for remaining rural Sauk County taxpayers will need to go up slightly.
Ken Grant reported that the subcommittee met on June 13 and July 12. The subcommittee discussed possible funding scenarios, as well as the estimate of the expenses for the Resource Library function of the Baraboo Public Library.
Discussion included the availability of items in the Baraboo Library reference collection for use by patrons of other Sauk County libraries. It was agreed that each library should make a list of available reference materials in order to determine if there are duplicates in the county and alert librarians to items available at the Resource Library. Baraboo Public Library should create a procedure for lending reference material. The feasibility of initiating an 800 phone number will be explored by Baraboo.
Motion by Beverly Vaillancourt, seconded by Cynthia Shanks, to approve a budget request for Sauk County Libraries including funding all Sauk County Libraries at 100%, except that Wisconsin Dells would be funded at 70%; Baraboo Public Library would receive $9,130.00 for its role as Resource Library; and Cross-Border Reimbursement would be $1.00 per item circulated.
Discussion ensued about the basis for allocating the portion for Technology to each library. It was agreed that a Technology Subcommittee be formed, including Beverly Vaillancourt, Sue Meise and Bob Wills, who will be Chair. To help the subcommittee make a recommendation, each library should prepare a list of technology needs for the subcommittee.
It was also determined that the "Hold Harmless" allocation for North Freedom, amounting to about $58.00, be continued.
Tables and graphs for the budget presentation were discussed, and changes were suggested.
The aforementioned motion carried.
Motion by Beverly Vaillancourt, seconded by Bob Wills, to postpone this discussion until the next meeting. Motion carried.
As the previous budget discussion resulted in the formation of the Technology Subcommittee, this matter will be taken up at the next meeting when the Subcommittee makes its recommendation.