[Library Board] Board of Trustees

The Moon Township Public Library Board of Trustees met July 16 and spent the vast majority of the nearly two-hour meeting hearing public comment on a proposal to dissolve the library’s nonprofit status and become a township department. Several residents and former trustees questioned the lack of a detailed financial plan, the timeline, and whether the board had retained independent legal counsel. A trustee, who also serves as a township supervisor, said the change would ensure the library’s long-term survival and that operations would remain similar. A trustee said she believed becoming a department would bring better pay and benefits for staff and greater resources for growth. A trustee argued the library cannot raise enough money on its own for a progressive vision and that township backing could help secure corporate grants. A former trustee warned the board it had a fiduciary duty to hire its own attorney and said dissolving without a plan could invite legal complaints. The board agreed to enter his emailed concerns into the record. After public comment, the board recorded an emergency remote vote taken June 25: a motion to release $3,000 for a retainer with the Cheshire Law Group failed 4-3, with four trustees voting no. The board then approved the June meeting minutes and the treasurer’s report, which showed a stable $1.1 million cash balance, revenue of $350,000 year-to-date (up $109,000 from last year due to the timing of local government funding), and expenses of $275,000 (under budget by $1,300). The board unanimously approved the 2026 budget. Under new business, the board unanimously passed a motion by a trustee to research qualified legal counsel to advise on documents, policy and procedure for a potential transition to a government entity; a trustee volunteered to coordinate and present options. The next meeting is scheduled for August 20 at 6 p.m. at the Robin Hill Carriage House.