Stephanie, At Benton Harbor, my library board has control over its own money. We have a voted millage for library services which the City collects and distributes to us. The Board passes our budget without the City's approval. The board approves all of the library's policies. I report to the Board, not the City. There have been city managers here that I never met because I have so little need to interact with them. The City Commission does appoint our five city board members. (The township that we also serve appoints two additional board members.) When our millage is up for renewal, the City Commission must place it on the ballot, since our board is not a taxing authority. Otherwise, we run our own ship over here. Please feel free to call me if you would like further clarification. Frederick J. Kirby, Library Director Benton Harbor Public Library 213 East Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269-926-6139 (voice) 269-926-1674 (fax) libraryfjk@yahoo.com ________________________________ From: Stephanie <knownformylaugh@gmail.com> To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 12:23 PM Subject: [Michlib-l] Question for City Library Directors Hello everyone -- If you are a City Library Director I'm hoping you'll be willing to share some information with me. 1) Do you report directly to your Library Board or your City? 2) Is your Library Board serve in an advisory capacity only or does it serve in a decision making capacity? 3) What role does your Library Board have in making financial decisions (budgeting, expenditures, etc.). 4) When setting or changing policies, does your Board do that or do they just make recommendations to the City Commission. Any information you're willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! -- Stephanie Masin, Director Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library 500 Market St. St. Joseph, MI 49085 269-983-7167 (phone) 269-983-5804 (fax) _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@lists.mcls.org http://lists.mlcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l