Record of Proceedings
Adams County Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Peebles Public Library
March 11, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.
The Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees met on March 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at Peebles Public Library.
Phil Rhonemus called the meeting to order. Members present were Linda Worley, Linda Stepp, Sarah Shelton, Kayla Bowman, Elaine Lafferty, and Holly Johnson. Others present were Executive Director Nicholas Slone, Fiscal Officer Steven Harris, Amy Werring, and Legal Counsel Aaron Haslam.
There was no public participation.
Minutes of the previous Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed and discussed. Motion #1 made by Linda Stepp, seconded by Holly Johnson to approve the minutes of the meeting held February 11, 2026. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Fiscal Officer
The financial reports submitted by Steven Harris were reviewed and discussed. Steven discussed two new reports added to the financial package – year to date comparison to planned budget and year to date comparison with the same period last year. Motion #2 made by Kayla Bowman, seconded by Elaine Lafferty to accept the financial reports of the Fiscal Officer and approve the payment of bills. Motion carried. All yeas.
Report of Executive Director
The monthly library reports submitted by the Executive Director were reviewed and discussed. Numbers are down for February partly due to weather and also fewer open hours. Outside library borrowing is up due to a smaller budget for collections.
Nick went over a list of his activities during the prior month. He discussed maintenance issues, Manchester water leaks, LED lighting analysis, weather closures, etc. The state library report is due April 1, 2026. Each location is now cleaning its own cargo.
On March 18, 2026, Nick will be attending OLC Legislative Day in Columbus.
We are wrapping up cyber-security training and the next phase is to draft policy as required to meet the June 30, 2026 deadline per HB 96.
Amy Werring discussed Ohio Goes to the Movies on March 20, 2026 at West Union High School. She went over the plans for the movie, games, and refreshments. Flyers are available for the event. Information about the event went home with students from the
schools.
Motion #3 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Sarah Shelton, to accept donations, acknowledge volunteer services, and approve library support group activities as requested. Motion carried. All yeas.
Old Business
5:52 pm Motion #4 made by Sarah Shelton, seconded by Linda Stepp, to enter into Executive Session to discuss the discipline and performance of a former employee and to confer with legal counsel concerning potential legal claims (ORC 121.22 (G)(1) and (G)(3). Roll call, Phil Rhonemus—yea, Linda Worley—yea, Linda Stepp— yea, Sarah Shelton—yea, Holly Johnson—yea, Elaine Lafferty - yea, and Kayla Bowman – yea.
6:04 p.m. Reconvene in regular session.
We received an update on the progress of the North Adams Friends Shelter House Project. It should it take approximately 30 days to complete once started but no start date has been determined. The estimated budget is now approximately $110,000.
New Business
Manchester snow removal needs to be more careful where they pile the snow so as not to block the back steps.
Adjournment
Motion #5 made by Linda Worley, seconded by Linda Stepp since there is no further business, the meeting is adjourned to meet in regular session at the West Union Public Library, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.