E-books and audio books are popular items at our local libraries, Plum Creek Library Director Elizabeth Hoffman told Murray County Commissioners on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the library system pays dearly to provide them to patrons.
“The cost per book is 3 to 6 times higher for us than a customer would pay if they purchased the book, Hoffman explained. “We are limited in the amount of times the book can be circulated and charged $60 to $80 for that item.”
Hoffman provided an annual report to the commissioners, giving an overview of the service Plum Creek Library provides to local libraries and schools.
The brightly colored library truck visits each building twice a week, sharing resources between communities in the Plum Creek Library System. According to Hoffman, delivery is one of the most widely-used resources in Murray County.
Commissioners approved the $3,250 annual allocation request, which hasn’t been changed or raised since 2018. They also approved the annual agency agreement with Plum Creek.
The quarterly allocation request from SWCD of just over $49,000 was also approved. Shelly Lewis and Craig Christensen provided a quarterly report, which included the information that two farm mentors have been hired, with their services paid for through a grant. Lewis also reported that they are currently looking for a new resource specialist, as the person currently in that position has taken a job in Alaska.
A $50 monthly increase was approved for apartment rental at Sunrise Terrace. Director Jessica Staples reported that the waiting list for seniors to move into the facility is at 39 people.
The last payment for the new Murray County Speedway lighting was also approved. Total of the project was $345,880. According to Murray County Parks Director Justin Hoffmann, the work of getting the lights pointed properly was wrapped up last week. When tested, the lighting went from a previous foot candle of 7-8 feet to now over 100. The overhead wiring is gone, and the Racing Association added emergency red-green lights at each corner and by the flagpole.
Some of the old light fixtures that were replaced had missing covers, charred wiring and were full of bird nests.
Travis Radke presented several ditch reports, adding that with the milder weather, ditch issues are being reported now that people are out and about. Two of the ditch issues are being caused by busy beavers.
HR Director Sharon Giese presented the Highway Engineer job description for the commissioners’ approval. The position will include an hourly wage of between $60.75 and $78.97.
Current Murray County Highway Engineer Randy Groves announced in early April that he will be retiring in July.
