JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Marion County Board of Mayor & Commissioners agreed to amend the board’s previous resolution regarding the distribution of funds towards the county’s main libraries.
During the commission’s recent meeting, attorney William Gouger explained that the county’s finance committee recommended the board amends Commissioner Ruric Brandt’s resolution regarding the distribution of library funds. The committee recommended the amendment include the $10,000 of allocated funds that go towards Imagination Library, Dolly Parton’s well-renowned program dedicated to providing children from birth to five years old free books by mail. The amendment also updates the resolution to adapt to South Pittsburg’s decision of remaining with the Marion County Library Board, leaving only Jasper’s Carolyn Stewart Public Library to receive allocated funds directly from the county. He stated the amendment subtracts the $10,000 for Imagination Library off the top and divides it into a set amount to then distribute 1/3 of the funds to the Carolyn Stewart Library, and remaining funds towards the library board. Funding towards the Imagination Library will remain.
During the discussion, Brandt expressed worries regarding a P&L (profit and loss) statement provided to the commissioners during last month’s meeting. His concerns stemmed from the numbers listed regarding all the funds allocated to the libraries from the library board. He felt some of the numbers didn’t match, suggesting if there is any way that all funds allocated can be properly verified Attorney Gouger, however, stated the allocated funds have to process through the legal system after being audited before further action can be taken.
“That part is going to have to work its way through the system to see if everything was done appropriately,” said Gouger.
The board approved the changes and additions to the resolution, allowing each change and addition to now legally take effect through the county government.