Minutes - 19770511 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ Mr. Davison stated that the total proposed operating budget for 1977- 78 fiscal year is $117,399. Anticipated income from sources other than Orange Gounty for 1977-76 are $42,711. Brought forward from the year 1976-1977, which was received from Orange County is $1,000. The amount requested from the County in 1977-78 fiscal year is $73,588. The amount. received from Orange County in 1976-77 fiscal year is $43,641.00 The amount of increase over 1976-77 fiscal year appropriation is $29,947. Discussion ensued. Mr. Davison stated that $7,DD0 is being requested from Orange County this year for purchase of new books. He added that the Orange County Public Library would not receive $10,851 as grants from the State Library which was the waivor for using the Chapel Hi11 population. It was pointed out that the State Library instructed the local libraries what population figures to use, and Orange County is presently using the 1970 census figure of 57,707. A question was raised regarding the County's share of the cost of operating and maintaining a Vega Stationwagon, which is used in the Library's Outreach Program. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he would like to explore further the possibility of a unified library system in the County at some future time and he .wondered if the Carrboro facility should not be a branch of the. Chapel Hi11 Municipal Library. He asked if this had been discussed with Chapel Hill, what are the pros and cons of this idea, the financial feasibility, and the long-term advisibility of a unified system. It was pointed out that Carrbor had not considered this idea. Commissioner Willheit asked what needed to be done in order to count the County's allocation toward the Chapel Hill Library and then be able to draw down more funds. Mr. Osterman stated that the Town of Chapel Hi11 needs to allow the Trustees of the Chapel Hill Municipal Library to feel that they want to become a part of the Orange County Library and the Hyconeechee Regional System. Commissioner Pinney pointed out that if the population of Chapel Hill was deduced from the regional population that the funding per capita would increase. Mr. Osterman stated that it was important to keep the total population in the formula because the benefits were higher. He stated that the philosophy of the State Library is that larger units of service are more efficient. He added that the total per capita expenditure from all sources, local, state and federal, is $2.17. Commissioner Willhoit asked what is the per capita allocation from local funds which would go toward drawing down regional dollars. He added that he would like to see an analysis of the population figures and how they affect the State funds available. He asked that this area be looked into because it appears that Orange County could be penalized. Mr. Osterman stated that he would attempt to work on this information. The Library Board was asked to provide further information regarding Item 35 of the proposed library budget, and to provide a breakdown of the budget for the Carrboro Library. Commissioner:Gustaveson stated that Representative Hunt had appeared before the Board of Commissoners and had made a strong appeal toward a County Library System. He stated that he felt moves should be made toward steps to change the formula whereby Chapel Hi11 could benefit from State funds. He added that it was important to not lose the opportunity to have a library at Carrboro, however, he would like to look at other alternatives and options. The Board of Commissioners reviewed the Chapel Hill Public Library's budget next. The Chairman of the Board introduced Susan McClude, Director of the Chapel Hill Public Library. Ms. McClure stated that functions of the Chapel Hill Library is mare than providing books to meet the educational and recreational needs of the community, that many other resources are avail- . able to the public. The library building is oiler 67 hours each week, and the bookmobile extends services to outlying areas of Chapel Hill. 1977-78 objectives are to make library services and resources more