GCPL Presents Its 2026 Budget & Authorizes Signing of Letter of Intent for the County Commissioners to Purchase the Library’s Administrative Center Building
Geauga County Public Library (GCPL) - June 17, 2025
Meeting: The GCPL Board met on Tuesday, June 17th at 4:00 pm at the Middlefield Branch. This Board Meeting was in-person with a virtual attendance option. To access the virtual option see information here. The meeting was not recorded. Minutes of this meeting will be posted on the GCPL website after they are approved at the July 15, 2025 meeting.
Observer Note: Each member of the GCPL Board and Staff receives a copy of the meeting packet, as does this Observer. It is available upon request in accordance with Ohio public records law (ORC 149.43). The board discusses and votes on the information in the packet. This Observer Report is made up of discussions held at the board meeting and information taken from the board packet.
Public Comment: Permitted and included in the regular order of business per GCPL bylaws. Further clarified in Policy 215 - Public Participation at Board Meetings.
Board Attendance: President Karen Delano, Secretary Crist Miller and Board Trustees Joshua Hutchinson, Paul Newman, Kate Pitrone and Jake Yanchar.
Staff Attendance:
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Kris Carroll - Director
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Lisa Havlin - Fiscal Officer
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Nicole Burnside - Human Resources
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Deborah Schrock - Development Coordinator
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Erika Noark - Geauga West Branch Manager
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Mary Balog - Thompson Branch Manager
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Jo Groh - Outreach
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Rachael Hartman - Middlefield Branch Manager
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Mike Pope - IT Manager
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John Johnson - Facilities Manager
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Judy Lasco - Chardon Branch Manager
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Danielle Hollar - Bainbridge Branch Manager
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Marlene Pelyhes - Tech Services Manager
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Denise Javins - Marketing Manager
Public: This Observer attended in person.
President Karen Delano called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and roll call was taken.
Minutes: Minutes of the May 20, 2025 Board Meeting were approved as presented. Board minutes are available online. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to access minutes. The minutes are posted as soon as they are approved at the following month’s Board meeting.
Communications: Ms. Carroll
Agenda: The agenda presented in the Board packet was approved.
Fiscal Officer’s Report - Ms. Havlin
The 2024/2025 premium including the Ohio Plan Advantage Credit was $55,836. The 2025/2026 premium including the Ohio Plan Advantage Credit is $59,913. $1,136 of the premium increase is due to increased property values.
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The library’s budget hearing with the County Budget Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 9:00 am. The hearing will be held at 231 Main Street, Chardon in the Auditor’s Appraisal Conference Room.
Director’s Report - Ms. Carroll
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The Director met with ETM (Every Third Wednesday, a group of library directors) counterparts to discuss statewide library funding and broader system-wide issues affecting Ohio’s public libraries.
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Ms. Schrock, Development Director, and Ms Carroll began interviewing consultants for a potential capital campaign to be led through the GCPL Foundation. Ms. Carroll reviewed the proposed process with the Foundation’s Executive Committee to ensure alignment and transparency as they begin planning.
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Ms. Carroll met with County representatives to discuss facility needs across the library system. These conversations are part of GCPL’s efforts to plan proactively for long-term infrastructure and service goals.
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Meetings were held with the architects to review layout and design concepts for the new Chardon Branch. Ms. Carroll said that these discussions will help shape a space that will be functional, welcoming, and community-focused. Conversations continue with local officials to address broader facility-related topics.
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The Fun Bus is being retrofitted to create a more efficient interior layout. Once complete, it will be better equipped to serve as a Bookmobile.
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The Facilities team is working with the GCPL Foundation to manage large book donations and prepare materials for the Geauga County Fair book sale.
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The Tech Services Manager Marlene Pelyhes and Interlibrary Loan Resource Clerk Rachel Simpson are conducting a system-wide review of magazine subscriptions to identify and eliminate unnecessary duplication.
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Digital database usage is monitored to ensure that funds are being used effectively and that the resources offered align with community needs.
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Ms. Burnside and Ms. Schrock have begun work on standardizing volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and engagement to improve consistency and expand participation systemwide.
Assistant Director’s Report - Ms. Farrell
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May 2025 statistics:
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36,642 patrons served at the branches
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17,047 computer and wi-fi uses
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148 programs presented for 5,450 patrons
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10,274 reference interactions
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Total circulation of items: 225,870
Observer Note: The board packet contains a report of activities from all branches and departments. This is under the heading of the Assistant Director’s Report. The host/local branch manager gives an oral report at the board meeting. This month’s branch was Middlefield and a report was given by Jill Brickell, Staff Advisory Committee.
Ms. Brickell talked about events and contests for branch staff members to get to know each other.
Human Resources - Ms. Burnside
Committee Reports - Finance Committee
2026 Budget Review:
2025 Actual/Estimated Revenue
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Taxes. First quarter 2025 Public Library Fund revenue was 5.5% higher than the December 2024 estimate, resulting in an additional $20,000 in revenue. First half property tax revenue was received as estimated, with slightly over 50% of the annual estimate already received.
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Earnings on Investments. Investment earnings were budgeted at $220,200 but due to sustained high interest rates, actual revenue is running higher than estimated. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, $118,338 was received.
Services to Other Entities
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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS) is invoiced $400 each quarter for office space rental.
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Revenue from the Geauga County Library Foundation to cover its administrative costs is budgeted at $1,500 for the year as agreed to in the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding.
Contributions & Donations
General Fund Tax Revenue Comparison
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The library’s main source of revenue remains stagnant. The exception was 2022 when the library’s property tax revenue was reduced by the County Budget Commission. In 2024, tax revenue was 92% of GCPL’s total revenue. Currently, the Library’s greatest other source of revenue is from investments. While at the time the tax budget was created, interest rates remained high, it is expected that interest rates will drop so reduced interest income is reflected for the end of 2025 and throughout 2026.
2025 Expenditures
Salaries and benefits (~64%) account for the largest portion of library expenditures. Purchasing and contracted services, including utilities, comprise the next largest category at 18% of total budgeted expenditures.
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Salaries & Benefits
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The Board of Trustees approved a 3% salary and retirement benefits increase for all eligible employees. In January, the Board of Trustees approved 27 pays for 2025. Because the first pay of 2025 was January 2, the expense for the extra pay was incurred in 2024.
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Medical insurance premium costs increased by 6.5% and dental insurance premiums increased 4% for July 2024 – June 2025.
2026 Estimated Expenditures
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Salaries & Benefits
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Salary and retirement benefits were budgeted for a 3% increase.
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A 12% increase in health insurance costs was budgeted as recommended by Stark County COG (Council of Governments- a health insurance program].
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Participation in a group retrospective rating program is intended to help control the higher cost for workers’ compensation premiums the library is experiencing as a result of increased claims in past years.
General Fund Carryover
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GCPL’s estimated General Fund carryover is projected at 37% of total disbursements in 2025 and 32% in 2026. For GCPL, maintaining a sufficient year-end General Fund carryover is essential. The library relies heavily on property tax revenue, with the first half of property taxes typically received by March. Therefore, the carryover must be sufficient to fund payroll, pay invoices, and meet contract obligations during the first few months of each year. In addition, the library holds a Moody’s Aa2 bond rating, which should be preserved. A healthy carryover balance supports both financial stability and the library’s bond rating. The Fiscal Officer recommends a minimum carryover equal to three months of expenditures.
Debt Service Fund
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In 2017, Geauga County voters approved a $24 million bond issue to fund capital improvements throughout the County. At that time, the estimated tax rate to fund the debt service was 0.5 mill. Every year, the collected rate is adjusted based on the fund carryover and the debt services payments due that year. The collected rate for 2025 was 0.27 mill. This rate was used for debt service revenue in the proposed 2026 tax service budget. However, based on the estimated carryover at the end of 2025, the 0.27 mill rate is insufficient for 2026 debt service payments. The certified revenue estimates will be revised by the Budget Commission.
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Total debt service payments to be paid by the library in 2025 are $1,377,862.52 and in 2026 will be $1,378,175.02. At the end of 2026, the remaining balance to be paid will be $19,295,000.
Building Repair – Reserve Fund
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In line with the Level 1 Replacement Reserve Study approved by the Board in October 2021, a year-end transfer of $495,583 was made in 2024 and is also budgeted for 2025 and 2026.
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Annual expenditures from this fund have exceeded initial projections in the Reserve Study. Some major items have required replacement earlier than anticipated. For example, the Geauga West roof—originally projected to last another 10 years—had to be replaced in 2024. However, the planned construction of a new Chardon Branch means many scheduled projects for the current Chardon facility will no longer be necessary.
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2025 planned expenditures include sealcoating at four buildings, roof replacement at the Administrative Center, and scheduled IT equipment replacement. Currently, no major projects are scheduled for 2026. However, updates or repairs may be required to maintain adequate service at the current Chardon branch.
Capital Projects Fund
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This fund contains proceeds from the 2017 bond issue, which are reserved solely for capital projects. These funds are held separately from other revenue sources and are invested, with all investment earnings retained in the Capital Projects Fund for future capital expenditures.
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The Library Board has designated these funds for the construction of a new Chardon Branch.
Chardon Capital Reserve Fund
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In 2022, the Library transferred $2.5 million from the General Fund into this reserve. In October 2024, the library purchased the Bridle Downs property for the future Chardon Branch. Bostwick Design was selected as the architect, and in April 2025, Regency was approved as the Construction Manager at Risk. Current plans are evaluating the consolidation of the Chardon Branch and the Administrative Center into the new building, which would reduce overall operational costs and increase available capital through the sale of the two existing buildings.
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The estimated cost for the construction of a new combined Chardon Branch and Administrative Center is $20,200,000. At the time of this report, the Capital Improvement Bond Fund has a cash balance of approximately $5,314,216, while the Chardon Reserve Fund has a balance of $6,261,358. Proceeds from the sale of the current Administrative Center are estimated to be $3.2 million. This leaves an additional $5 to 6 million that would need to be financed to complete the project. To bridge the remaining funding gap, the Library Board has discussed utilizing Public Library Fund (PLF) notes, as they offer a low borrowing cost and do not require voter approval. PLF borrowing capacity is capped at 40% of the average of the previous two years’ PLF receipts. For GCPL, this debt service limit is approximately $1.4 million annually. The actual debt service payments will depend on the final amount borrowed, the bond term, and the prevailing interest rate at the time of issuance. Reviewer Note: See below whether this funding will be available if the Ohio biennial budget eliminates the PLF as expected.
Alternative Financing Sources
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Recent discussions at the state level have raised concerns about the potential elimination of the Public Library Fund. If the PLF were eliminated, borrowing under this mechanism would no longer be available. An alternative financing option is a Lease Purchase/Certificates of Participation (COPs) agreement, which is often used by schools. The COPs interest rate would be slightly higher than PLF notes. The maximum maturity on this type of financing is 30 years. Reviewer Note: The PLF was eliminated in the final State budget. Read here the expected impact on libraries in Ohio.
Sources of Debt Service Funding
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The Board has indicated their desire to explore financing options that do not require a voted bond issue. Therefore, the annual debt service—estimated at approximately $500,000— must be paid from existing funding sources. Two possible sources for this funding include:
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Building and Repair Reserve Fund: Per our current Reserve Study, there has been an annual transfer of $495,583 from the General Fund to this Reserve Fund for the past three years. After the Chardon project is finished, the Reserve Study (last completed in 2022) could be updated, likely resulting in a lower recommended reserve transfer. The resulting savings can be redirected to cover debt service.
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Chardon Reserve Fund: Over $1 million is transferred annually to the Chardon Reserve Fund. These transfers will no longer be necessary once the new Chardon Branch is completed. If overall funding remains stable, these resources will be available to meet annual debt obligations.
Unfinished Business - None
New Business - Ms. Carroll
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Approval of Updates to Operating Policy 940. Support Groups
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Library support groups are created to be of service to the Library. The services these organizations provide fall into three broad groups: fund-raising for the Library, advocacy for the Library, and service to the Library.
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The Geauga County Library Foundation was created in 1989. Its core purpose is to enhance and support the Geauga County Public Library. It is chartered as a non-profit corporation in the State of Ohio and has a 501(c) (3) tax exempt status with the IRS. Through the Foundation the Library is able to initiate programs and services that it would otherwise be unable to provide to the public.
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SPECIALIZED SUPPORT GROUPS: The following groups, while not created to help advocate for or fund the library or library programs, provide specialized support to the Library and may be provided in-kind service by the Library.
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Genealogy Society of Geauga County
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Chagrin Valley Herb Society
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Leadership Geauga County
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Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
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The Geauga Shutterbugs Photo Club
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Kent State Geauga
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Revised June 17, 2025
Board Development - Ms. Carroll
Ms. Carroll shared estimated Public Library Fund revenue for the library based on the Ohio Senate’s line-item proposal in the State budget.
Foundation Report - Ms. Schrock
Observer Note: Ms. Schrock had to leave to take a phone call so Ms. Carroll gave the report.
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The Foundation will host its first Donor Appreciation Event on Friday, September 26th, at the Bainbridge Branch. Donors, board members, and community members will be invited to enjoy appetizers and drinks as a thank-you for their continued support.
Public Comment - President Karen Delano opened the floor for public comments on the 2026 Tax Budget. There were no comments or discussion.
Executive Session - Paul Newman made a motion, seconded by Jake Yanchar, to move to executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of property. The board invited Director Kris Carroll, and Fiscal Officer Lisa Havlin, and Assistant Directory Katy Farrell to join them in executive session. The motion passed and the board moved to executive session at 4:19 pm
The board returned to regular session at 4:33 pm
Kate Pitrone made a motion, seconded by Paul Newman, to authorize Board President Karen Delano to sign the Letter of Intent for the Geauga County Board of Commissioners to purchase the Library’s Administrative Center Building. The motion passed.
Crist Miller made a motion, seconded by Josh Hutchinson, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 4:34 pm.
Upcoming Events:
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July 12 - Burton Middlefield Rotary Maple Splash Event
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August 2 - Audio Visual Book Sale at the Geauga West Branch
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September 26 - Foundation Donor Appreciation Event at the Bainbridge Branch
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October 10 - Murder Mystery Night at the Geauga West Branch
Next Meeting: The next Regular Board meeting is July 15th at 4:00 pm at the Bainbridge Branch. See website for information on meeting dates and locations.
Minutes: The latest minutes are posted here. Prior to March 2023, videos of meetings were available to the public here. GCPL is no longer posting videos of their meetings.
Observer: Cris Takacs
Editor: Carol Benton
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: 7/9/2025
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