Record of Proceedings
Adams County Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Manchester Public Library
January 14, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.
The Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees met on January 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at Manchester Public Library.
Phil Rhonemus called the meeting to order. Members present were Elaine Lafferty, Linda Stepp, Linda Worley, Kayla Bowman, Holly Johnson, and Sarah Shelton. Others present were Executive Director Nicholas Slone and Fiscal Officer Steven Harris.
There was no public participation.
Minutes of the previous regular and organizational Board of Trustees meetings were reviewed and discussed.
Motion #1 made by Elaine Lafferty, seconded by Linda Stepp to approve the minutes of the meetings held December 10, 2025. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Fiscal Officer
The financial reports submitted by the Fiscal Officer were reviewed and discussed. Motion #2 made by Kayla Bowman, seconded by Holly Johnson to accept the financial reports of the Fiscal Officer and approve the payment of bills. Motion carried. All
yeas.
The permanent appropriations budget was discussed in detail due to the projected $108,000 deficit for 2026 which is the result of an extra pay period cost about $45,000 and reduced revenues of about $62,000. There are no current plans for involuntary staff
reductions and we will continue to monitor the expenditures to find any savings possible.
Motion #3 made by Holly Johnson, seconded by Elaine Lafferty to approve permanent appropriations for the FY 2026 as recommended by the fiscal officer. Roll Call – Phil Rhonemus - yea, Elaine Lafferty – yea, Linda Worley – Yea, Linda Stepp – yea, Kayla Bowman—yea, Holly Johnson - yea, Sarah Shelton – yea.
Report of Executive Director
The monthly library reports submitted by the Executive Director were reviewed and discussed.
We received the first shipment of IPM food boxes.
Outreach is working on Ohio Goes to The Movies to be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the West Union High School.
Motion #4 made by Sarah Shelton, second by Linda Stepp to accept donations, acknowledge volunteer services, and to approve library support group activities as requested. Motion carried. All yeas.
Cintas acquired Adamson Fire Protection effective January 1, 2026 and will taking over the fire monitoring and maintenance.
Linda Stepp suggested we check into the Hayeswood Foundation grant for the Imagination Library.
Old Business
Distributed the director evaluation information to the board for his evaluation at the next meeting.
The board should have a three-dimensional plan for the North Adams Friends shelter house project at the next board meeting. Holly discussed some of the project details. The board also discussed the transparency of the project being 100% funded by an
anonymous donation.
New Business
Adjournment
Motion #5 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Linda Stepp since there is no further business, the regular meeting is adjourned to meet in regular session at the North Adams Public Library, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.