Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, or applicable collective bargaining agreement, the provisions of title 22, chapter 1, part 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, as amended, relating to free public libraries shall apply to the operation and conduct of the Lewistown public library. (Ord. 1715A, 12-3-2007)
The city manager, with the advice and consent of the city commission, shall appoint a board of trustees for the public library. The library board shall consist of five (5) trustees. One, but not more than one, member of the city commission shall be a member of the board. Trustees shall serve without compensation, but their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties may be paid from library funds. Trustees shall hold their office for five (5) years from the date of appointment and until their successors are appointed. Trustees shall serve no more than two (2) full terms in succession. Appointments shall be staggered so that one trustee's term of office expires each year. Following such appointments, in July of each year, the trustees shall meet and elect a chairperson and other such officers as they deem necessary for one year terms. Vacancies on the board of trustees shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manners as original appointments. (Ord. 1715A, 12-3-2007)
All claims for expenses incurred in the operation of the library, including all accounts of director and employees for salaries and compensation, all accounts for library materials purchased and all other expenses of the library, shall be made within the approved fiscal budget. Claims against the library shall be submitted to the city clerk and processed according to city purchasing policy. Each claim will be paid out of the designated library account as indicated by the library director and as noted on each claim. (Ord. 1715A, 12-3-2007)
The trustees of the library shall not, without permission from the commission, hereafter incur any indebtedness or liability on account of the library in excess of the amount of money available for the payment of such indebtedness or liability, but shall so manage the affairs of the library so that the annual revenues shall be ample to pay all expenses and obligations of the library. Any loan of city funds to satisfy an indebtedness incurred by the library in excess of its budgeted authority shall accrue interest at ten percent (10%) per year. (Ord. 1715A, 12-3-2007)
The board of trustees shall make an annual report to the city commission on the condition and operation of the library, which shall include a complete financial statement. Such report shall be due no later than July 31. The financial statement shall include, but not be limited to, a listing of all sources of revenues received or pledged, including in-kind contributions and gifts, along with the amounts or value of each contribution. The terms and conditions of all gifts, bequests or pledges shall also be described. A description of all expenditures shall be listed by account. (Ord. 1715A, 12-3-2007)