Compromise keeps service operating with reduced visitation, lower county funding
Ten-year-old October Hamilton said she is excited and happy that the Carbon County Commission voted to restore funding for the bookmobile.
The East Carbon girl started a petition drive to save the bookmobile after commissioners voted against renewing the contract with the Utah State Library Division for the bookmobile service June 7. The move would have eliminated the county’s contribution of nearly $100,000 annually.
The Commission has been poring over the budget to find areas that could be cut because of diminishing revenue the county receives in mineral lease royalty payments. Commissioners have also expressed concern that while municipalities and the Carbon School District benefit from the bookmobile service, funding comes only from the county budget.
An amended contract was approved during the regular commission meeting Wednesday. The contract specifies a reduced county contribution of $61,058.04 for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Commission Chairman Jae Potter said, “That’s the contract that’s before us. I would still encourage the school district and cities and other interested parties to be part of that funding effort.”
Under the revised contract, the number and frequency of stops the bookmobile makes will also be reduced, and commissioners would like to be assured the stops will include the more remote areas where they are most needed. Those details are still being worked out.
The cash contribution from the state is set at 25 percent of the county contribution. The state also provides technical support, and pays the salary of two employees, one on the bookmobile and one who is part of the staff at the Helper Library where the Carbon County Bookmobile is headquartered.
Utah Library Division Director Donna Jones Morris said, “From the feedback the commission got, it’s obvious a lot of people need and want the bookmobile.”
Bookmobile State Program Manager Britton Lund praised the commissioners for, “the very good working relationship we have. They were open to listening, and responded to the need and request.” She also acknowledged October Hamilton in particular, and many others in general for making, “a huge difference.”
East Carbon Mayor Doug Parsons thanked the commissioners, adding the mayors would discuss ways of procuring funding for the service. He said they would also meet with the school district, and with the administration of Pinnacle Canyon Academy to identify other sources of funding.