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
ASPeN: The New Library Directory
- Home
- Introduction To Public Library Districts
- What Are Districts?
- Pros And Cons Of Library Districts
- Difference Between Library Districts And Other Types Of Libraries
- Who To Contact For Help?
- Exploring Library Districts and Gauging Support for a District Effort
- Research The Districting Option
- Decide on Whether or Not to Create A Committee To Explore District Option
- Decide on Boundaries and Name of the District
- Decide on Services the District Might Offer
- Create a Budget for the District
- Determine the Amount of Mills You Will Need Levied
- Talk to Local Government Officials
- Talk to Library Supporters
- Decide Whether or Not to Move Forward With the District Option
- Exploring Library Districts Checklist
- Forming a District Group - The Role of Local Government Officials and the New Board
- Create an Official District Planning Group/Committee
- Coordinating Local Government Efforts
- The New Board of Trustees
- Forming a District Group Checklist
- Special Considerations
- Planning for Facilities
- Funding For The First Year
- Accounting, Legal, Maintenance Costs
- Transfer Of Staff And Benefits
- Special Considerations Checklist
- Pursuing the District: Legal Options For Forming A District
- Option 1: County Commissioners Pass a Resolution Putting the Library District Issue on the Ballot
- Option 2: Create the district through a petition process and then a resolution by the County Commissioners
- Develop A Map And Description Of The Boundaries Of The New District
- Decide Upon The Maximum Mill Levy That You Want For The District
- Decide On The Number Of Board Members
- Decide On When You Want To Hold The Election
- Draft The Petition
- Circulate The Petitions And Supporting Materials
- The Hearing With The County Commissioners
- Legal Options Checklist
- Election Process
- Create an Election Committee
- Create an Election Calendar
- Create a Public Relations Plan and Design Public Relations Material
- Present Your Idea to the Community
- Get Out the Vote on Election Day
- Conducting the Election
- Results Certification, Canvassing, and the Creation Order
- Election Process Checklist
- Outcomes Of The Effort
- Success
- Election Fails
- Appendices