By 1808Delaware
The Delaware County District Library (DCDL) Board of Trustees convened for their annual organizational meeting and regular session on Tuesday, January 21, outlining critical decisions for the year ahead. From the reaffirmation of leadership to planning a tax levy for future funding, the Board addressed various priorities to serve Delaware County’s growing population of library users.
Leadership and Appointments for 2025
The meeting began with the oath of office for re-elected leaders: President Scott Tiede, Vice President Brad Allen, and Secretary Connie Skinner. Trustee Nick McCoy was reappointed to a new seven-year term, extending through December 31, 2031. Rounding out the Board of Trustees for 2025 are Reginald Ike, Lori Kipfer, and Holly Quaine.
Two key financial roles were filled as Angie Grossenbacher and Sutton Durfee were appointed as Fiscal Officer and Deputy Fiscal Officer, respectively, for the year. These appointments solidify the Board’s leadership as it enters another year of operations.
A Full Slate of 2025 Meetings
The Board approved the 2025 meeting schedule, which rotates across the library system’s branches to maximize community accessibility. Regular meetings begin at 5:00 PM unless noted otherwise. The schedule is as follows:
- February 18 – Delaware Main Library (Records Commission meeting followed by regular meeting)
- March 18 – Orange Branch Library
- April 15 – Liberty Branch Library
- May 20 – Delaware Main Library
- June 17 – Orange Branch Library
- August 19 – Liberty Branch Library
- September 16 – Delaware Main Library
- October 21 – Orange Branch Library
- November 18 – Liberty Branch Library
- December 16 – Delaware Main Library
- January 20, 2026 – Orange Branch Library (Organizational meeting followed by a regular meeting)
Updates or changes to the schedule, including agendas and special meetings, will be posted on the DCDL website (www.delawarelibrary.org/about).
Committees and Strategic Actions
During the regular session, President Tiede finalized committee assignments to streamline Board efforts:
- Finance/Budget Committee: Brad Allen, Reginald Ike
- Human Resources Committee: Connie Skinner, Lori Kipfer
- Building/Liberty Committee: Scott Tiede, Holly Quaine
- Policy Committee: Scott Tiede, Reginald Ike, Nick McCoy
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to preparing for a proposed tax levy to appear on the May 6, 2025, ballot. The Board approved a resolution requesting County Auditor George Kaitsa to certify the current tax valuation, a certification the Board later accepted. They also passed a resolution for submitting the levy proposal to voters.
The proposed additional 1 mill tax is projected to generate $10.5 million annually, according to Kaitsa’s certification. For homeowners, this levy would cost $35 per $100,000 of appraised property value. If approved, the 15-year levy would begin collection in 2026, ensuring funds to support the library’s operations and continued growth.
Enhancing Compensation and Operational Support
Trustees also approved updates to the 2025 compensation chart, retroactive to December 28, 2024, ensuring fair and competitive pay for the library’s team. This decision aligns with DCDL’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled employees who support its mission to serve the community.
DCDL’s Expanding Role in Delaware County
The Delaware County District Library continues to see significant use, with over 101,000 active cardholders across the county. Serving communities within the Delaware City, Buckeye Valley, and Olentangy Local school districts, the library is a cornerstone for connection, discovery, and lifelong learning.
DCDL’s mission statement, “We open doors to imagination, knowledge, connection, and discovery,” remains a guiding principle, supported by its vision of being a vital resource for all stages of life.
Looking Ahead
With a detailed plan for meetings, leadership roles in place, and funding initiatives on the horizon, the Delaware County District Library is poised to continue its role as a vital resource for the community. As preparations for the May 2025 levy ramp up, the Board’s efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring the library’s sustainability and growth for years to come.
Source: Delaware County District Library
