Library board OKs staff salaries for '08

TELL CITY - The Tell City-Perry County Public Library's board of directors approved a 2008 salary schedule during a Jan. 2 meeting. Members also elected board officers for the new year and learned circulation numbers for 2007 likely hit a new record.

The 2008 salaries reflect a 3-percent increase from last year, a raise approved by board members in 2007. Larry Oathout, the library's director, will earn $41,845 for the year, with Paul Sanders, the assistant director, paid $30,904.

Brandi Sanders, who has taken over the job of bookmobile director from her mother, Kay Seibert, will be paid a salary of $26,500, with new Assistant Bookmobile Director Debbie Feix earning $21,000.

Other salaries cover the library's systems, business and genealogy directors, as well as children's-department director.

Officers

The board elected officers for 2008, with Mickey Fischer reappointed president. Colleen Smith will handle vice presidential chores with Regina Schaefer and Patsy Alvey discharging the duties, respectively, of secretary and treasurer.

Circulation Data

Final circulation numbers for 2006 will be released in early February, but 2007 circulation at the library totaled 185,288, up 8.2 percent from 2006. Oathout said the library continues to see growth that began when the new library was opened in 2002. More than 5,600 visits were made to the main library in December alone and the library now has 10,378 people on file as borrowers.

In addition to books, the library lends books on tape and DVDs. Internet usage is beginning to level off after years of skyrocketing growth, Oathout said.

In other business, the board:

Welcomed new member Regina Parker, who was appointed by the Tell City-Troy Township School Board in December to fill the seat of retiring member Norma Rogier.

Discussed recommendations of a state panel on streamlining local government. One of the proposals would reduce to one the number of library districts each county is allowed.

Perry County has two, with the Cannelton Public Library existing as a separate district.

Another recommendation would take away the power of library districts to levy taxes, giving that authority to elected officials.

Library board members are currently appointed.