Special to the WJH The Okefenokee Regional Library System Board of Trustees moved through a full agenda earlier this month, approving a series of budget actions and policy updates.
The May 4 meeting was held at the the Waycross-Ware County Library on Lee Avenue.
Trustees unanimously adopted several financial measures, including a revision to the FY27 regional budget and an update to the FY26, Quarter 2 budget.
The board approved a contract with Owens Janitorial Service to provide weekly service for the Bacon County Library for $600 per month.
The board approved a contract with Howard Technology Solutions to modernize technology at the Clinch County Library so equipment matches the standards used throughout the regional system.
The total contract is for $24,272.85, with $21,000 to be paid with a donation from the Lee Foundation.
The board went into executive session to review the salary and benefits’ figures for the director’s position.
Trustees voted to offer a three percent raise for a total of $128,157 in salary and benefits noted in the financial report. Also, staff members were awarded a two percent raise.
The board also heard an update on the system’s technology plan from Region Director Erica Stembridge. The director reported most elements of the plan will remain unchanged except for price adjustments that were made last May.
Trustees voted to continue the plan from May 2025, and approved a proposal to revise the quarterly meeting venue beginning in August.
Instead of meeting in Waycross every quarter, the board will hold sessions on a rotational basis, with the flexibility to change the planned venue, should circumstances arise.
Budget documents presented by Finance Officer Lynn Keenan were accepted, as was the Library Director’s report.
With no further business, the board adjourned the session at 5:15 p.m.
The Okefenokee Regional Library System serves the counties of Appling, Bacon, Clinch and Ware.
The next scheduled meeting is set for August 8 at 4 p.m.
