Difference Between Library Districts And Other Types Of Libraries

City/County

Creation:Resolution by governing body (city council or county commissioners) MCA 22-1-303

Governance:Board of trustees are appointed by governing body (Mayor of city or chairman of County Commissioners) MCA 22-1-308

Finances:Receive money from city and/or county general fund. Library may also receive a property tax levy specifically for library subject to MCA 15-10-420.

Dissolution:Resolution by governing body or petition of the people. MCA 22-1-303.

Board Powers and Duties:Have exclusive control of budget, construction or lease of library buildings; and operation and care of the library

Adopt bylaws for the board and library

Have the power to contract to give and receive library services

Have the power to acquire property for the library

Pay necessary expenses of library staff

Prepare an annual budget

Make an annual report

Accept gifts, etc.

Exercise such other powers, not inconsistent with law. MCA 22-1-309

Interlocal

Creation:Contract between agencies for library services. Agreement is filed with county clerk or Secretary of State. MCA 7-11-101 thru 7-11-108

Governance:Governance is determined by contract. See MCA 7-11-105

Finances:Interlocal agreement determines what parties will pay to finance library services. MCA 7-11-105

Dissolution:Dissolution is determined in interlocal agreement. Generally done by one or both parties in writing. MCA 7-11-105

Board Powers and Duties:Determined by contract, but generally the same as City/County. MCA 7-11-105

District

Creation:Begin with petition with signatures from 15% of registered voters in proposed district or with a resolution from county commissioners. Requires open hearing and an election. MCA 22-1-702

Governance:Initial board is appointed by governing body of county. MCA 22-1-704

Voters within the district elect subsequent trustees. MCA 22-1-706

Finances:Initial vote for district determines the maximum mill levy for the library (subject to MCA 15-10-420. See also MCA 22-1-703)

Dissolution:Dissolution begins with a resolution by library board or governing body or a petition signed by 15% of voters. Final dissolution occurs with election. MCA 22-1-710

Board Powers and Duties:Operate and maintain library property; conduct programs; make improvements to property

Prepare annual budgets

Pay necessary expenses of staff members

Prepare and submit records to Montana State Library

Employ or contract with personnel or other entities to receive or give library services

Acquire, own, and maintain property for the district

Adopt bylaws for the operation of the district

Establish a property tax mill levy

Accept donations

Establish a depreciation fund.

Exercise other powers, not inconsistent with the law. MCA 22-1-707