Toni Gwin

The Timberland Regional Library's Strategic Direction for 2025 focuses on empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in the digital age and supporting school-age youth. The plan outlines initiatives for expanded access to resources and services, including extended hours, digital library cards for students, community events, and a 'Library of Things'. It also highlights partnerships to promote STEM education and arts engagement, fostering learning, exploration, and community connection.

The business meeting included the approval of the agenda, removing specific resolutions from the consent agenda. Executive Director Highlights covered the 2025 year in review, staff recognition for service milestones, achievements such as the launch of supervisor training and the negotiation of the 2026-2028 agreement with the Union, the grand opening of the Mountain View Timberland Library, and the implementation of new software and services. Financial highlights for November 2025 were presented, including property tax receipts and significant capital expenditures for the Ocean Park location. Old Business involved decreasing funding for the Technology Fund and increasing funding for the Unemployment Fund. New Business included the approval of the 2026 President and President Elect, modification of the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, approval of the 2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreements for Base and Supervisory Units with a 2.7% wage increase effective January 1, 2026, and approval of corresponding wage increases for non-represented employees. Committee reports involved approving the First Amendment Agreement between the City of Tumwater and TRL, outlining upcoming library refreshes, and approving updated Employment and Leaves Policies. A Special Board of Trustees Meeting was scheduled for December 30, 2025, to address removed agenda items, and an Executive Session was planned for the same date to review public employee performance.

The special meeting covered several new business items and resolutions. Key discussions involved the explanation and approval of the 2026 Final Budget, including parameters for the beginning and ending fund balances as per the Fund Balance Management Policy. Resolutions were approved for the 2026 Calendar Year Budget, detailing revenues and expenditures. Furthermore, resolutions were approved for the 2026 Tax Levy Amount and Rate, confirming a zero increase exclusive of new construction revenue, and setting the 2026 Non-Resident Fee at $93.00. The board also convened in Executive Session to review the performance and compensation package of the Executive Director, ultimately approving a two-year contract with a 3% annual increase and an increase of five personal holidays.

This Strategic Plan outlines two distinct strategic directions, one for 2025-2029 and another for 2020-2024. The 2025-2029 direction focuses on empowering individuals in the digital age through digital literacy and technology access, improving communication and outreach, and providing robust support for school-age youth. The 2020-2024 direction prioritizes engagement with local communities, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and offering dedicated support for children from birth to five.

The meeting included discussions on correspondence, executive director highlights, financial statements, and committee reports. The executive director highlighted staff changes, leadership training, outreach efforts, website updates, and the Ocean Park refresh. Financial discussions covered the general fund, technology fund, unemployment fund, gift fund, and building fund. The budget committee presented the 2026 preliminary budget, with discussions on property tax revenue, timber revenue, and investment growth. The board also held an executive session to review negotiations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to review the performance of a public employee.