MEEKER | The Meeker Public Library Board met last week for its regular October meeting, where members discussed financial reports, public comments, policy updates, and ongoing building maintenance needs.
Board President John Moffitt attended the meeting via Zoom but left early at 6:40 p.m. before adjournment. Vice President Keri Grieser was excused due to a family emergency. Board members Dan Olson and Michael Cobb attended in person, along with Secretary/Treasurer Toby Leavitt, who led the meeting.
Community member Jeni Morlan by commended Leavitt for her efforts to ensure the library’s legal and financial affairs are managed responsibly.
“It was Toby that reached out to CEGR [Cockrel Ela Glesne Greher & Ruhland] Law because of her concerns that laws needed to be followed,” Morlan said. “Toby did the legwork to make sure the library had a good accountant. In fact, if we’re being honest, Mr. Moffitt’s been on this board for almost three years and didn’t know the library had $100,000 in a bank account drawing no interest. Toby is the one who brought it to your attention.”
Morlan also criticized Moffitt for delaying responses to maintenance issues, including a major HVAC problem. “Mr. Moffitt took seven months to finally admit the library has a major HVAC problem,” she said. “For months, he dismissed and ignored other board members repeatedly pointing out problems with the system. Now it’s November — not sure that’s being fiscally responsible.”
She encouraged the board to take a conservative approach to the mill levy and review different tax alternatives, asking, “Would a point-one mill levy pay for the majority of annual operating expenses, leaving the $14 million available for capital outlay?”
The board reviewed and unanimously approved the financial reports from Aug. 31 and Sept. 30, 2025. Members noted that no expenses appeared out of line.
Meeker School Librarian Amber Garcia reported that the recent Scholastic Book Fair brought in $7,000, which will return $3,000 in Scholastic dollars for the school libraries. She said the Meeker Recreation Center will not be assisting with robotics this year.
Garcia added that volunteers assisting regularly at the school must be fingerprinted and background-checked.
Library Director Kristina Selby reported an increase in circulation, with 37 new library cards issued in September. She highlighted several ongoing programs, including:
• Weekly storytelling and craft sessions for children
• Teen activities such as Frankenstein pendant making and creative arts
• Adult programs including book clubs and crafts
• Outreach initiatives like “Library at Lunch” at Meeker High School
• Digital resources such as Pronunciator, offering 315 language-learning options
Library attorney Glory Schmidt presented options for addressing the building’s aging HVAC and roof systems, outlining several architects experienced in public projects. While some firms occasionally subcontract to Patriot, a local HVAC company, Moffitt expressed a preference to hire an architect for long-term planning rather than work directly with Patriot.
Schmidt advised that any redesign should consider future renovations and sustainability. The board agreed to have Patriot, already working locally, assess the system to help determine next steps.
Schmidt also noted that the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Town of Meeker and Rio Blanco County is expected to be approved in November. She confirmed that Selby has accepted her formal offer letter as library director.
A section of the Patron Behavior Policy related to employee conduct was moved to the upcoming personnel handbook, and the revised policy was approved. The board also approved the Unscheduled Closing Policy and the Unattended Children’s Policy, clarifying that children under age 8 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person aged 14 or older.
The board approved changes to upcoming meetings. They will hold a workshop on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and then their regular November meeting will take place on Nov. 19. There will be no workshop in December with the regular meeting set for Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. All those meetings will take place in the community room at Meeker Public Library.