Village of Red Hook Red Hook Public Library Monthly Report October 2023
The Red Hook Public Library (RHPL) held their regular board meeting on October 19th at the Library in the third-floor conference room.
I attended for the first hour as I had to leave for our Village Special Meeting.
Library Board members in attendance: President Don O’Shea, Treasurer Amy Husten, Gareth Davies, Secretary Sarah DeVeer, Leigh Bahnatka. Absent: Anna Greig, Martha Tepepa
There was a brief acknowledgement of receiving my letter in response to the HR report. No discussion and no relevant comments were made.
Policy Committee
Reviewed and approved the Fixed Asset Policy. All assets equaling or exceeding $5000 will be capitalized under the following categories: Land, Building Improvements, Office Equipment, and Furniture & Equipment.
Fundraising
The committee met Sept 28. 125[th] party & events were discussed.
Personnel
Alex Geller passed the Civil Service test for Director 1. A motion to appoint Alex to the Civil Service title of Director 1, FT was passed, effective 10/19/23. Salary $69,000/yr.
There is no record of Alex Geller’s original appointment. This was not rectified at this meeting.
Finance/Budget
Statement of Cash Flows and the Balance Sheet was reviewed. It was noted that the Election Law 259 receipts through the School District are due in November.
They plan to close out their small accounts at KeyBank. And movement of money approved in September had not yet been carried out.
Capital spending isn’t expected to begin until the Spring. Stucco project expected to cost $200,000. The porch work is expected to cost $72,000. They have budgeted for a program manager for these projects at $27,000 if I understood this correctly.
Unexpected bequest makes the numbers very favorable. Staff expenses are below budget. Net income is well over budget due primarily to bequests.
Preliminary budget for 2024 was reviewed. Some notes include a question around recording donations/bequests on an accrual vs cash basis.
Other notes, regarding payroll, currently employees get a raise on their 1-year anniversary. The plan is to move to raises on Jan. 1 after the first anniversary of work. They are looking into possibly joining the NYS Retirement Fund System. If they do, must offer it to all employees.
The current budget iteration shows a small net loss. Total income $482,799. Total Expenses $486,317
Director’s Report
I had to leave before Alex gave his report. His report is part of the Library Board Packet which you can access on the Library Website HERE or www.redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees/. The link to the board packet is imbedded in the text toward the bottom of the page.
Upcoming Meetings
Next Board Meeting moved to WEDNESDAY Nov. 15 at 6:30pm
Respectfully submitted, Karen Smythe