PCPL Board approves wage adjustments

Having more business than usual for a December meeting, the Putnam County Public Library board of trustees gave a boost to employees on Wednesday.

With Director Matt McClelland noting that the library was under budget on staff wages, the board approved a resolution outlining wage adjustments for cost of living. These, he said, will be weighted toward part-time staff.

“It rewards the staff for all their hard work over the last year,” McClelland said. “They (part-time staff) are the ones who are really the lifeblood of the library.”

Also wanting to show gratitude for her work since taking over from former business operations manager Lisa Barker in 2021, the board passed a resolution approving a five-percent wage increase for Asst. Director Jane Hazelton.

“Jane stepped into very large shoes with Lisa retiring, and has done a tremendous job,” McClelland commented.

Noting that 2023 has been “a good year budget-wise,” the board also approved a transfer of $80,000 to the Rainy Day Fund. This accounts for a surplus in the budget. Normally, $50,000 is transferred each year.

“That will help us partially replenish the money we took out to put the roof on,” McClelland explained, referencing the recent replacement of the library roof.

In other business:

• Hazelton reported that the library had nearly 16 percent of its operational budget remaining for the year. She reminded, however, about a final payroll for the year, along with the transfer occurring.

Noting that “it was a good month for receipts,” Hazelton added that the library received property taxes and local income taxes (LIT). This brought the operational ending balance to $753,394.74 after disbursements.

• The board approved a quote, not to exceed $6,000, to retrim, reseal and repaint 52 windows. Having seen one window previously repaired, McClelland supported the work being done.

“I like that you like the work, not just that they finally did it,” board member Barbara Boese said before the quote was approved.

With Boese and Board Vice President Kristin McClellan virtual, McClelland and Hazelton were joined by Board President Kayla Flegal, Board Secretary Shannon Green, and members Dakota Lanham, Jamie Nees and Alan Zerkel.

The next regular meeting of the Library Board is set for Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Kiwanis Room at the library.