By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Months after the township committee took ownership of the funds generated by the Hillsborough Public Library, officials introduced an ordinance that would formally establish a township Library Advisory Board.
With unanimous support from the committee, the proposed ordinance seeks to amend the township’s code book to include a new chapter outlining the advisory board’s membership and role.
“We want to make sure that the newly created board has the teeth necessary to ensure that there is a well functioning library in the township,“ Committeeman Doug Tomson said.
Prior to this year, all of the funds generated by the public library were collected and spent by a 501c3 non-profit organization known as the Hillsborough Public Library Advisory Board (HPLAB).
Established in 1968, the group of private citizens used the funds collected for improvements to the library, such as new furniture, carpeting or other programs.
Just last year, the group was collecting more than $23,000 a year from fines.
Back in February, however, the committee determined that those funds were public dollars and the subject of potential scrutiny by the governing body.
By April, an advisory body was created by the committee to “report and make recommendations” on “policies, programs, services, maintenance and other matters” pertaining to the library. The action fell in line with a request from the Somerset County Library Commission, which oversees the 10 library branches within the county.
Up until then, Hillsborough was the sole municipality that did not have elected officials appointing the leaders of an advisory board.
According to the ordinance, the proposed advisory board would consist of seven Hillsborough residents to be appointed by the committee on an unpaid, volunteer basis.
Of the first group selected to serve on the board, two members would be appointed to one-year terms, two would serve a two-year term and three members would serve a three-year term. After that, all members will serve for three years.
Mr. Tomson said the board would work with the Somerset County Freeholders, who preside over the Somerset County Library System.
“It’s a two-way street. We are going to be communicating directly with the county and vice versa,” Mr. Tomson said. “Obviously, it’s (the county’s) system, but we want to make sure we’re getting the most bang for our taxpayer dollar.“
Under the ordinance, the new board would conduct monthly meetings, which would lead to reports and recommendations for the Township Committee, the Hillsborough Library branch manager, the Somerset County Library System administrator and the Somerset County Library Commission.
Though the township’s decision to wrest control of the public library initially started out with backlash from the public, Hillsborough resident and HPLAB member David Dvorim urged the township to ensure that the roles of the township’s board and the county are properly outlined.
“Unless the rules of ‘who is responsible for what’ and ‘who has the authority to do what,’ is clearly defined, what (the committee is) creating is at best ineffective and at worst, a waste of time,” Mr. Dvorim said.
A second reading and a potential vote to establish the Hillsborough Library Advisory Board will be held at the Tuesday, Oct. 25, Township Committee meeting.
