The Missouri River Regional Library board has begun work on a $3.11 million draft budget for 2014.
MRRL Director Helen Rigdon presented the budget to the board at its meeting Tuesday, and said revenue has increased in both Cole and Osage counties - Cole increased by $32,913 and Osage by $8,807.
The budget allows for a two percent cost of living increase for all staff, and increases overall staff training and travel funds by $4,000.
It also increases funds for downloadable materials by nearly $8,000. Rigdon said the money will be used for digital magazine subscriptions, which goes hand-in-hand with the strategic plan.
The plan aims to improve patron experience.
The 2014 budget also increases funds for library supplies by nearly $12,000. Rigdon said this is due to higher printing costs in the public computer center, as well as MRRL's public relations office.
The board was also told:
• Noelle Standard, the new Osage County librarian, plans to focus more on programming at the Linn branch.
• The board's capital facilities committee is still in discussion and negotiations with Clark Enersen Partners of Kansas City regarding updates to the library facility.
• The MRRL Foundation will send another round of fundraising letters to potential donors toward the end of the year.
• The MRRL Foundation plans to host a Mayor's Run for Reading 5K on Nov. 9.
• The library received a grant Tuesday to replace the antiquated microfilm readers with digital readers.
• The finalists for the MOREnet 21st Century Transformational Project have not yet been announced. Several MRRL staff members submitted a proposal for the 3-year technology grant last month.