GAINESVILLE - The search for a new executive director for the Hall County Library System is making progress.
The Library Board met Tuesday afternoon and gave an update on the search for a new director, following the retirement of Adrian Mixson, who had his last day May 31. So far, about a dozen people from three states, the majority from Georgia, have applied for the job.
"We have some really good, strong applicants. We've spent a lot of hours going through these, calling references, trying to make sure they're certified and qualified. We've spent most of our time screening up until now," said Andy Henderson, Board Chairman. This week, the search committee is ranking their applicants, and then interviews are scheduled for the week of June 17th."
Lisa MacKinney, the current interim director, is one of those in the running. Henderson said the search committee hopes to bring a recommendation to the Board by the next meeting on June 30.
"Adrian did a really good job preparing our libraries with a good foundation," said Henderson. "Hopefully as times change and funding becomes available, we can do even more."
Meanwhile, the Board is also hoping to eliminate furlough days for the library staff. MacKinney reported at the meeting the budget had been well-maintained for the year and several sections were actually under budget, including staffing, and they hope the SPLOST that was approved in March will allow them to purchase new materials such as books and DVDs.
SPLOST is not allowed to pay for staffing. Henderson said the library staff is the only county entity that still is subject to furlough days.
"If our Board of Commissioners will approve the budget we submitted, we'll be able to eliminate the furlough days," said Henderson. "That's my biggest wish right now."
