JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
A new resolution to officially establish the Beene Pearson Public Library in South Pittsburg has been delayed until next month’s upcoming city meeting.
Discussion ensued as all members of the town’s city council debated the resolution and its requirements, as well as whether officially pass it or turn it down. Commissioner Ronny Myers questioned if the Board of Mayor & Commissioners would have authority over the library’s own independent board. City attorney William Gouger answered his concerns by stating if passed, the resolution would allow the city to appoint new members to the community’s Library Board to represent the Beene Pearson library, with the executive director of the Board overseeing all actions and operations conducted within the library. He also noted the city Board does not have complete control over the Beene Pearson library. However, it does have overall oversight over the library’s governing body.
“You don’t have direct control, but you have ultimate control because you control the Board.” said Gouger.
As the discussion continued, Mayor Shawn Hensen read aloud the statue to all members of the council, detailing how the future Library Board has full authority to direct all affairs within the library, while also having the ability to enforce regulations and utilize funds for formal training and education. The Board would also have the authority to hire an administrative figure into the Board, all the while establishing negotiations for leases and possessing the opportunity to receive donations.
According to Attorney Gouger, all members who are appointed to the city’s Library Board are set in a one year standard term of service. And when a member of the library’s governing council serves their first term, additional terms can be converted to where a member of the Board can serve a total of three years in office.
During the meeting, City Administrator Michael Hudson explained the city Board has budgeted $61,000 for the Beene Pearson Library, with additional allocations of around $97,000 from the county amending the library’s budget for the new 2025-2026 fiscal year. It was originally explained how in the previous fiscal year, while the library was part of the countywide Library Board, $68,000 were originally allocated towards the city for the library. However, with the County Commission officially approving direct oversight of all funds sent from the state, the city would now receive double the funds to use for the library.
“Vice Mayor Stone has mentioned that there is a $29,000 difference. That’s what it would be. But there are other costs involved, such as Tennessee retirement, employee insurance, worker’s compensation, and insurance for the Board,” explained Hensen.
A 2-2 vote, with a decision to abstain by Vice Mayor Matt Stone was made. Commissioners Myers and Mike Allen voted to approve of the resolution and to officially make Beene Pearson Library independent, while Commissioner Beth Duggar and Mayor Hensen ultimately voted against the resolution’s passage. And due to the main vote becoming a tie, further discussion was ultimately delayed for next month’s meeting in August.
