August 13, 2026 Board Meeting

Logan County Libraries

Knowlton Library
220 North Main Street * Bellefontaine, OHIO 43311-2228
Phone (937) 599-4189 * Fax (937) 599-5503
LoganCountyLibraries.org

Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes – August 13, 2026

The Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the Knowlton Library, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

Members present were President Steve Henry, Steve Fansler, Sharon Halter, Lauren Ater, and John Tucci, along with Director Beverly Arlequeeuw, and Fiscal Officer Stacy Sandy. Debbie Weiskittle and Bob Barnwell were absent.

Anthony Sims, the Library’s Technology Coordinator, was part of the public participation. He was present to provide information and answer questions regarding the Cybersecurity Policy.

The Acting Secretary read the minutes of the June 18, 2026, meeting. Ms. Ater made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. Fansler. Motion Carried.

Financial Report

The Fiscal Officer prepared the monthly financial report ending July 31, 2026, which the library director reported.

  • The General Fund showed a cash balance of $240,268.28.
  • The Capital Project Fund showed a cash balance of $672,425.51.
  • The Susie Parker Trust Fund showed a total balance of $60,884.76.
  • The Hazel G Moore Memorial Fund showed a cash balance of $6,664.27.

Mr. Tucci made a motion to accept the Fiscal Officer's report, seconded by Ms. Ater. Motion carried.

The Director reviewed the Public Library Fund revenue to date. She noted an increase in August 2026 compared to August 2025. The PLF shows an overall decrease of $40,213 for 2026.

Fiscal Officer Stacy Sandy explained that Ohio's Public Library Fund (PLF) is now a fixed line-item in the state budget instead of a percentage of the state's general fund. The County Auditor is only certifying $807,953.74 for Jan-June 2027, the budget will be revised with the County Auditor when the State releases the PLF funding for July-Dec 2027.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

  • Anthony Sims, Technology Coordinator, provided information regarding the Cybersecurity Policy and answered questions from the Trustees. Following discussion regarding the safe use of USB drives on public computers, as well as employee password length and password-change requirements, the proposed policy was amended to include language in Section 5.1 requiring unique user IDs and strong passwords. Passwords must contain at least 16 characters and be changed annually. Mr. Fansler moved to accept the Cybersecurity Policy, seconded by Mr. Tucci. The motion carried, with one nay vote.

NEW BUSINESS

  • The Board discussed renewal of the Library's Ohio Plan insurance. Due to two significant claims in the past four years, rates remain elevated. Mr. Fansler moved to accept the renewal at $20,956, seconded by Ms. Halter. Motion carried.
  • The Board reviewed the Snow and Ice Removal Agreement with TNT Landscape Services for $12,700 for the winter season. Ms. Halter moved to approve the contract, seconded by Ms. Ater. Motion carried.
  • The Director requested a waiver of the $3.00 library card replacement fee during September Library Card Sign-Up Month. Mr. Fansler moved to waive the fee, seconded by Mr. Tucci. Motion carried.
  • The Board approved an extension of Jami M. Hiett’s medical leave through October 8, 2026, with the condition that available vacation leave be exhausted in accordance with the Employee Handbook. Ms. Halter moved; Mr. Tucci seconded. Motion carried.
  • The Fiscal Officer discussed the possibility of purchasing a delivery van using funds from the Janet Moore Estate. The Director is also exploring ODOT and LSTA grant opportunities. The matter was tabled pending additional funding information.
  • Mr. Fansler reported that he sent a letter to Mr. David Goodrich requesting the return of library and/or library foundation documents and files previously in Judy’s possession. No response has been received.
  • Mr. Fansler reported that the library will be a recipient of a gift of approximately $250,000 from the finalized Janet Moore Estate, with the check expected in September 2026.
  • The Board went into executive session at 4:55 p.m., as moved by Mr. Henry and seconded by Ms. Halter. The Board came out of executive session at 5:04 pm, as moved by Mr. Tucci and seconded by Ms. Ater. No action was taken during executive session.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Statistics Report for July 2026

  • Circulation for July 2026:
    • The system showed an overall decrease of 825 items over July 2025.
    • July 2026 Total Ohio Digital Library = 6,994

Staff News

  • Kristina "Krissy" Fairfield was hired as Home Delivery/Outreach Assistant for 30 hours per week, effective August 3, 2026.
  • Alison Mefford was hired as a Patron Services Assistant for 25 hours per week, effective August 4, 2026.
  • Esther Stanich and Madisyn Casey were hired as Patron Services Pages for 9 hours per week, effective July 2 and July 29, 2026, respectively.
  • Rebecca Marker-Smith was hired as a part-time Reference Services Assistant for up to 29 hours per week, effective August 31, 2026.
  • Thessaly Reminder, Carissa Tyler, and Abby Cooksey resigned from their respective positions.
  • Jane Huffman will retire from her Home Delivery/Outreach Assistant position on August 31, 2026, after 19 years of service.
  • Linda Pricket, Lu Hammond, and Adam Mendenhall were recognized for five years of service with certificates and service pins.

Other

  • All branch locations participated in the United Way "Stuff the Bus" school supply drive, with donations accepted through August 17, 2026.
  • September is Library Card Sign-Up Month.
  • The Director reviewed the Library's September 2026 calendar of events.

The next regular Board meeting will take place on Thursday, September 17, at 4:00 pm at the Knowlton Library in the Barnwell Board Room

There being no other business, upon motion by Ms. Halter, seconded by Ms. Ater, the meeting was adjourned at 5:06 P.M.