I'm a new library trustee- now what? Pat Tumulty,

Transcript:I'm a new library trustee- now what? Pat Tumulty,:
I'm a new library trustee- now what? Pat Tumulty, Consultant New Jersey Library Trustee Association The library board is appointed to work with the library director. When this partnership works well, the library benefits. When this partnership is strained, the library suffers. How can you ensure that the partnership between the library director and library board is healthy? Keys to success Collaborate Communicate Cultivate Collaboration between the library board and the director The board is charged with specific legal responsibilities. Know, understand and respect what these legal responsibilities are. Make sure you know what your responsibilities are. Work to ensure that bylaws are up to date and written so the board functions the way the library needs it to function - rules, agendas, committees etc. Monthly board meeting The format and order of the meeting may vary, but should include: Open public meeting statement Approval of minutes Board president’s report Director’s report Financial report and approval of bills Committee reports Old/new business Public Comments Responsibilities of the Library Board Secure adequate funding for the successful operations of the library; Hire, supervise and evaluate the library director; Develop, evaluate and monitor the library’s budget; Establish policies that support the mission of the library Develop and periodically review both short and long term strategic plans; Establish bylaws and govern how th board operates . Funding –the fundamental law The library board is responsible for the expenditure of the library’s appropriation from the municipality (NJSA 40:54-12) The municipality must appropriate a sum equal to 1/3 mill on each dollar of equalized assessabl property in the municipality. ( This ls 33 cents on each $1,000 of equalized assessable property in a municipality) This is about $33 on a $100,000 home Tha municipality may choose to fund the library at a higher amount Other sources for funding- state aid, federal aid, capital funds, grants and gifts Develop the budget- shared responsibility Tne Board works with the library director to create a budget that fits the library’s needs Anticipate all income and expenses Review last year’s budget Review next year’s programs and services Define upcoming needs; look at developing trends Final version is approved and adopted by the library board Library budget is presented to the governing body Once the appropriation is set, the director implements the budget Monitor and evaluate the budget- shared responsibility The library director provides the board with monthly expenditure reports After