Missouri River Regional Library board members have decided not to move forward with plans to relocate the Osage County Library Branch in Linn.
In preparation for the library strategic planning session, board members representing the Cole County branch of the library as well as the Osage County branch discussed the pros and cons of potentially renting a new location at this time. Originally, two locations were up for consideration, the former Dollar General location located directly upstairs from the library's current location and the other a former Thriftway.
As the board members examined both properties at Wednesday night's meeting, they cited visibility, handicap accessibility, parking, more space and price as the key factors in their decision.
If the library was to relocate to the upstairs location, it would cost $500 more in rent with refinishing costs spread over a 10-year period and not including moving costs. On the other hand, relocating to the Thriftway location would cost $2,000 more with the stipulation of committing to five-year lease.
Betty Hagenoff, assistant director, reminded the board when it comes to finances, they want to ensure the Osage branch gets its money's worth, but without overly exceeding the 10 percent cap of revenues dedicated to the branch from the library budget.
As the board members discussed what the price difference meant, Osage branch board member Neal Loethen suggested it would be a moot point to continue talking about renting or purchasing a new building at this stage.
"As the director and financial officer, if you're not comfortable expanding those (10 percent revenue cap), then are our discussions about other facilities that cost more a moot point?" Loethen asked.
Hagenoff pointed out that discussion needed to take place with the full MRRL board but noted there are reserves available to the Osage branch.
"In my opinion, I would like to see us continue to put money aside and look at purchasing a building," Hagenoff said.
Osage County branch board President Katrinka Goldberg told the board the library should look at ways to make accommodations by rearranging what the library already has to meet the needs of the community and its patrons.
"I think that both options are beyond what we can afford right now," Goldberg said. "I think that pursuing the possibility of buying a building would be better suited as a long-term goal for us. I would like us to do some rearranging, thinking about what we have and make additions that would meet the needs of the users."
Noelle Parker, Osage branch manager, commented she was simply thrilled the board is discussing the future of the library in a constructive way.
"If we look at buying down the road, we can be assured that something will be here forever," Osage board member Debbie Rowles said. "This means that a library is here forever."