Belding library board adopts revised budget, employee reinstatement

Karin Armbruster
Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Director Toni Jagger (left) and board trustee Eileen McFedden browse through board documents regarding the original budget proposal, the first revised budget proposal and a second revised budget proposal at Tuesday's meeting.

Members of the Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Board of Trustees approved a motion at Tuesday’s meeting to adopt a revised budget proposal and reinstate an employee who was let go in March.

A large number of community members attended the meeting to show support for former library employee of 37 years, Betty Jenkins, whose position was terminated abruptly after the library board approved a budget. That budget was sent back by the Belding City Council for revision in regards to staff reduction.

Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Director Toni Jagger discussed two revision proposals with the trustees. In the original budget, she said the total personnel cost is about $169,000. In the first revision, the total came to about $179,700 and in the second revision, it came to about $179, 600.

Also, the number of positions, hours and wages varied between both revisions.

For example, revision one allotted for one full-time circulation assistant, three part-time circulation assistants, one part-time youth librarian, one part-time assistant and one full-time director.

The second revision allotted for two full-time circulation assistants, two part-time circulation assistants, one part-time youth librarian, one part-time assistant and one full-time director. With the second revision, Jenkins’ position was reinstated.

During public comments on the issue, many discussed Jenkins and their surprise and anger over the board’s decision to terminate the employee who had dedicated her life to the library. Some stated while they understand there is a tight budget, all cuts should be made fairly and across the spectrum. Other community members said they regard Jenkins as the face of the Belding library, consider her to be dedicated, loyal and full of knowledge about the city, its members and its history.

After comments, the board made a motion to accept the second revised budget proposal and approved it with none opposed. The budget will take effect July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Belding Mayor Ron Gunderson made a comment to the board about being willing to work through the issue at hand.

“I’d like to thank the board for having an open mind,” said Gunderson.

As for Jenkins, she said she is excited to return to work and holds no ill will against any member of the library or the board of trustees.

“I’m just very, very happy,” said Jenkins with a smile, adding she was thankful for the board’s vote to approve the second budget revision.

She said she was overwhelmed by the support of the community throughout the process.

Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library Board of Trustees President Lee Swanson said she appreciated the community’s feedback, comments and professionalism during the meeting.

Trustee Eileen McFadden said the original budget was made while looking at the library’s bigger picture.

“We have wonderful employees ... (but) this was about maintaining library services,” said McFadden, adding a future millage also was taken into consideration.

She added the budget does have fixed costs, including contracts, city utilities and mortgage payments that cannot be cut during budget negotiations.

Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library
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