MINUTES
CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JUNE 15, 2026
MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH
Present: Jennifer Doss, Ernie Ramos, Mary Jo Waite, Judith Kocica, Katie Bock, Laurie Schlueter
Staff: Andrea Brofft, Kasey Richey, Melanie Smithey, Debbie Williams, Lynn Baird, Laura Eckert, Ed Jolley, Ashley Lemaster
Absent: Edwin Humphrey
Guests: None
Ms. Doss called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Ms. Doss, here; Mr. Ramos, here; Ms. Waite, here; Ms. Kocica, here; Mr. Humphrey, absent; Ms. Bock, here; Ms. Schlueter, here.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Doss mentioned that the item “2027 Estimated County Tax Budget” previously listed on the agenda was rescheduled for the Board’s July 20, 2026 meeting to ensure the Library meets the statutory requirement to publish notice of the meeting in the local newspaper ten days prior. The Library received confirmation from the county approving the revised schedule, and the budget will be submitted to the county on July 21, 2026.
MAY 18, 2026 MINUTES:
Motion by Mr. Ramos, seconded by Ms. Waite, to approve the May 18, 2026, Board meeting minutes. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
None.
GET TO KNOW THE LIBRARY: Bethel Branch
Ms. Lemaster gave a presentation on the Bethel Branch of the Clermont County Public Library.
FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:
Ms. Smithey presented the May Financial Reports, which included the bank reconciliation, the check register, bank reports, end of month balancing report, the PLF report, housekeeping resolutions, supplemental check information, and revenue and expense comparison.
Ms. Williams presented the Fiscal Office report. The final interest on the Miami Township debt has been paid. The Fiscal Office has been working on completing the 2027 Tax Budget for the county. They anticipate that the 2025 Audit will begin soon. The Fiscal Office is working with the new Director and Assistant Director to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership for the Library.
Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Mr. Ramos, to approve the May 2026 Financial Report. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to approve the May 2026 bills paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve the May 2026 bill (Anthem) paid. All present were in favor, none opposed. Ms. Doss abstained. Motion was adopted.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Ms. Brofft reported that the “Ax Ohio Tax” group working to place an amendment on this November’s ballot to eliminate property taxes in Ohio failed to collect enough signatures to do so. However, they are still collecting signatures, hoping to place it on the ballot in November, 2027. Ms. Brofft advised that existing signatures already collected, once validated, would count towards next year's signature collection process.
Representative Schmidt will be in the Miami Township branch, Wednesday June 17 to lead a Storytime.
Library IQ is not completely finalized but the dashboard may be available for the July, 2026 Board meeting.
Ms. Brofft reported that work is nearing completion on the Bethel Branch roof repair. She noted that Mr. Jolley was present to give an update and take any questions.
She mentioned that CCPL has set a goal to increase Summer Reading registrations by 2% year over year and reported that the Batavia branch has already hit the goal.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Jolley gave an update on the progress of the Bethel branch roof repair, stating that the project is very near completion.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Ms. Bock, to approve Resolution 2026-17: Acceptance of Gifts to the Library, donations as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to approve Resolution 2026-18: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Library Inventory. Roll call vote: Ms. Doss, yes; Mr. Ramos, yes; Ms. Waite, yes; Ms. Kocica, yes; Ms. Bock, yes; Ms. Schlueter, yes. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
Ms. Doss asked the Board if there were any other items they wished to discuss. Mr. Ramos said he would like to introduce the idea for the Building Committee to explore the potential for a new building for the Batavia Branch. After some discussion, the Board indicated that the Building Committee should schedule a meeting to develop ideas for the Batavia branch and bring them back to the Board for review and discussion.
Motion by Ms. Bock, seconded by Ms. Schlueter, to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 pm. All present were in favor, none opposed. The motion was adopted.
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Board President Board Secretary
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