REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

Winnefox Library System

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

 

 

WINNEFOX LIBRARY SYSTEM – 2006 ANNUAL REPORT              

This year’s System Annual Report, is included in your packet as Exhibit A.  This is a required report which must be submitted to the state in order for us to receive our second aids check.  Mark Arend and Julie Schmude have prepared it with lots of help from others.  It describes our progress on goals and objectives from our Annual Plan.  Discussion.  Action Requested: Accept 2006 Annual Report.

 

WINNEFOX STAFF 2007 SALARY REQUEST                                       
I recommend a 2007 salary increase for Winnefox staff of 2.25%, retroactive to January 1, 2007.  This is the same increase percentage recently approved for non-union staff at Oshkosh Public Library.  Discussion.  Action Requested: Approve salary increase for Winnefox staff.

 

 

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING EXEMPTION OF COUNTY LIBRARY FUNDING FROM PROPERTY TAX LEVY LIMITS                                  

Exhibit B. is a resolution in support of a provision in Governor Doyle’s 2007-2009 Executive Budget, which would exempt county library reimbursements to public

libraries serving residents living outside of municipalities supporting a public library.  Counties will face a new requirement to reimburse public libraries in adjacent counties for such use beginning with their 2008 budgets.  If passed, this exemption will give counties flexibility in deciding whether to fulfill this new funding requirement without doing so at the expense of their support of in-county public libraries.  Discussion.  Action Requested: Approve the resolution in Exhibit B.

 

 

REIMBURSEMENT FOR CROSS-COUNTY RURAL USE (ACT 420)                        

At least two Winnefox member library boards have taken positions on the issue of reimbursement for cross-county use by rural, non-libraried users.  The Markesan Public Library Board has asked all other Winnefox member library boards to consider not billing other Winnefox counties for reimbursement.  The letter carrying this appeal is included as Exhibit C.  The Fond du Lac Public Library Board has acknowledged the spirit of cooperation embodied in the Markesan board’s suggestion but has decided not to endorse it.  Its letter to the Markesan board is included as Exhibit D.  In another development pertaining to this issue, the Marquette County Board has applied for a waiver from cross-county reimbursement for use of libraries by rural residents.  The waiver request will move from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to the Department of Public Instruction for action.  A waiver request from Columbia County has been denied.  Discussion.  Action Requested: None.

 

 

WINNEFOX STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE

The Strategic Planning Committee met for the first time on February 27, 2007.  Preliminary minutes of that meeting are included as Exhibit E.  Discussion.  Action Requested: None.

 

 

WINNEFOX STAFF FUNDING AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHART                           

For the information of the board and the strategic planning committee, staff (with help from member library directors) have created a report detailing sources of funding and the Winnefox staff positions supported by that funding.  It is included as Exhibit F.  A current organization chart is included for your information as Exhibit G.  Discussion.  Action Requested: None.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS -

 

·        An Overview Of Winnefox Library System Activities In 2006:  This report from Mark Arend is based on the narrative sections of the annual report to the state.  It is included in your packet as Exhibit H.

·        Report of System Activities, March 19, 2007 & Legislative Update:  Mark Arend’s latest report of system highlights is included as Exhibit I.  The report also contains an overview of sections of the Governor’s proposed 2007-2009 state budget that are relevant to libraries and library systems.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Gilderson-Duwe

Executive Director