1983-01-12O City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee: Finance Committee
Date: 01/12/1983
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Roger E. Moreney, Richard L. Buekley, and Nell B. Olson
Board members absent:
Others present: Vada Komich, League of Women Voters
Recorder: Nancy Aberman
Finance Committee
Board of Trustees
January 12, 1983 4:00 p.m.
Present: Roger Morehey, Chairman; Richard Buckley; Neil Olson
Also present: Esther Calish; Nancy Aberman; Vada Komich, League of Women Voters
Documents distributed: Line Item Budget (proposed) FY 1983184
Mr. Moreney stated the purpose of the meeting was to review the proposed budget for FY 1983/84
in the amount of $325,000 as requested by the Mayor.
Mr. Buckley noted that an occurrence had taken place prior to the meeting which he felt was of
interest to the committee. He explained that a BEVERLY TIMES reporter had called him asking for
his reactions to a letter which had been sent by a group of people, one of which Mr. BuckIcy noted
as Mrs. Salt; the others he was not familiar with. The reporter had read excerpts of a letter to Mr.
Buckley who stated that it concerned the action of the Board to allocate $2,500 in funds to the
Beverly Farms branch for books. Mr. BuckIcy had made no comment to the reporter. Mrs. Calish also
noted that she had been contacted regarding the letter, but she also declined comment and had not
seen the letter. This matter was discussed with members reaffirming the unanimity of the Board in
their previous vote.
Mr. Morency spoke of his goal for the following fiscal year, if the financial situation warrants, of
adding 10 hours to the Beverly Farms branch schedule.
Mr. Buekley requested the Librarian gather figures on what other area libraries are doing in terms of
circulation vs. number of volumes owned (rate of annual turnover), as well as the percentage of the
budget spent on Reference materials. Mrs. Calish produced an annual report from the Board of
Library Commissioners to assess circulation figures and number of volumes. Mr. Morency expressed
the feeling that communication among libraries might enable a reduction in costs in this area.
The proposed budget for FY 1982/83 was discussed. Mrs. Calish explained the differences between
the FY83 and FY84 budgets. The total budget request is the same; some individual items have been
increased (fuel, computer costs) or decreased (part-time salaries). Mr. Morency suggested that the
Trustees present the budget as proposed, using the 53 week payroll/60 hour week as designated, but
to attach the figures for the 53 week payroll, 63 hours week to demonstrate what costs are involved.
Mr. Buckley moved to recommend to the full committee adoption of the budget as proposed with
the 53 week payroll/60 hour week and a comparison page attached. Mr. Olson seconded. The motion
passed.
Mr. BuckIcy moved to adjourn; Mr. Olson seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Nancy S. Aberman
Recorder