Record of Proceedings
Adams County Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
North Adams Public Library
February 11, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.
The Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees met on February 11, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at North Adams Public Library.
Phil Rhonemus called the meeting to order. Members present were Linda Worley, Elaine Lafferty, Sarah Shelton, Kayla Bowman, Holly Johnson, and Linda Stepp. Others present were Executive Director Nicholas Slone and Fiscal Officer Steven Harris.
There was no public participation.
Minutes of the previous Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed and discussed. Motion #1 made by Holly Johnson, seconded by Elaine Lafferty, to approve the minutes of the meeting held January 14, 2026. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Fiscal Officer
The financial reports submitted by the Fiscal Officer were reviewed and discussed. Motion #2 made by Linda Stepp, seconded by Kayla Bowman, to accept the financial reports of the Fiscal Officer and approve the payment of bills. Motion carried. All yeas.
Motion #3 made by Sarah Shelton, seconded by Linda Stepp, to approve an appropriation transfer of $300.00 from Other Supplies 2001-110-459-1000 to Other Purchased and Contracted Services, 2001-110-390-1000, as recommended by the Fiscal Officer, retroactive to February 3, 2026.
Steven informed the board that we have received IRS Form 941 deposit penalty notices for tax years 2023 and 2024 totaling $7,069.51. Steven will be requesting abatement of the penalties from the IRS prior to the March 2, 2026 deadline.
We will be having a LED lighting upgrade cost analysis done. Grace Energy Services will visit all four locations on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 to provide an estimate for updating the lighting.
Report of Executive Director
The monthly library reports submitted by the Executive Director were reviewed and discussed. Nick also discussed all the libraries displaying the snacks which has increased their utilization. Snow days reduced the January circulation and foot traffic.The food link boxes are now being distributed which has generated a good amount of interest.
Some of our grant computers are starting to experience hardware failures but we able to keep most of them running. We are also moving forward with the cyber security training and we soon be ready to draft policies.
Outreach has been working on the Ohio Goes to the Movies event for March 20, 2026 at the West Union High School.
Undeliverable books provided through the Imagination Library were discussed. This usually occurs due to the recipients moving with no forwarding address. The books are picked up from the post office and used in giveaways and promotions.
Motion #4 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Elaine Lafferty to accept donations, acknowledge volunteer services, and approve library support group activities as requested. Motion Carried. All yeas.
Old Business
Holly Johnson, on behalf of the North Adams Friends group, presented multiple drawings of the proposed shelter house they plan to construct at the North Adams Library. Long term maintenance of the planting beds walkways were also discussed.
Motion #5 made by Linda Stepp, seconded by Kayla Bowman, to enter into Executive Session to discuss employment and compensation of employees (ORC 121.22(G)(1). Roll call – Phil Rhonemus – yea, Linda Worley – yea, Linda Stepp – yea, Sarah Shelton – yea, Tonya Bowman – yea, Holly Johnson – yea, and Elaine Lafferty – yea.
6:20 PM - Entered into Executive Session.
7:21 PM - Reconvened from Executive Session.
New Business
The Wall Street Journal and New York Times will be going to digital subscriptions shortly. The library will have information posted where the papers have been to direct patrons to the digital format.
Adjournment
Motion #6 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Sarah Shelton, since there is no further business, the regular meeting is adjourned to meet in regular session at the Peebles Public Library, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.