By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
DECATUR – Following a nearly three-hour meeting, that included a nearly 55-minuite closed session by the Van Buren District Library Board, Tuesday, Feb. 24, The Van Buren District Library Board plans to update a decades-old contract with the seven district branch libraries that are serviced by the District Library.
Approximately half of the 30-plus people in the audience were made up of branch library patrons from Lawrence and Mattawan.
A Lawrence Branch Library patron, Bette Glindmeyer, told the Library District Board, “I would like to express my support for a contract to be negotiated between the district library and the townships involved in an expedited manner.
“Whether it is the inability or unwillingness on the part of the District Director, the Library Board or the Townships to negotiate an agreement, the current problem has existed too long.
“The entities involved have a fiduciary responsibility to represent the taxpayers – that’s all of us – by spending tax monies wisely. Hiring attorneys to do what should be the responsibility of the entities is not, in my opinion, a good use of our tax money.”
She concluded, “Without antagonizing each other, the goal should be the same – keep our community libraries open.”
Daywi Cook, Covert Township Supervisor, told the District Library Board, “Covert Township has proudly partnered with the Van Buren District Library since 1945 and has operated under the current agreement since 1997. At that time, Covert Branch Library was housed in the lower level of an historic Township – owned building that was already being maintained locally.
“In 2009, we broke ground on a new 5,000 square-foot- library facility, which opened in 2010 and now serves approximately 2,800 Covert residents.”
She further stated, “From a financial standpoint, I reviewed maintenance costs for our 16 year old facility. While costs fluctuate, the Township averages approximately $2,500 annually in maintenance expenses, including Department of Public Works labor. We have also been fortunate to avoid major repairs thus far.”
She continued, “The proposed annual payment of $7,500 is generous, and I commend the VBDL Board for recognizing the potential impact of eliminating this funding. However, the current addendum language places future maintenance payments solely at the discretion of the VBDL Board. As written, this creates uncertainly for municipal partners and leaves long-term facility maintenance without a predictable funding structure.”
Daywi said, “We respectfully request several reasonable improvements to the amendment:
Provide clearer language defining eligible uses of maintenance funds. Establish a consistent annual payment date.
Include a cost-sharing mechanism for repairs exceeding the maintenance fund balance.
Make maintenance payments mandatory with periodic review to account for changes in building conditions or tax revenue.
She concluded, “Our shared goal is simple: to preserve these facilities and continue delivering high-quality library services to our communities. We value this partnership and ask that we continue working collaboratively to ensure its long-term success.”
The District Library Board in 2021 discontinued sharing $5,000 with its district branches.
Ruzick noted that the Antwerp Sunshine Branch Library would need new windows, and a new roof.
“This is serious funds that we are going to be spending. We certainly can’t do it on our own, especially when you stop the funds,” he said.
Ruzick told the District Library Board and the audience in attendance, “We would love a new contract with you folks and quarterly payments of $2,500.”
The following day, Wednesday, Feb. 25, Ruzick drafted a letter to the District Library Board in which he shared with The Courier-Leader.
It read in part: “I am writing to clarify several points discussed at last night’s meeting regarding the current 1997 contract. As you are aware, the Van Buren County District Library received a letter dated Dec. 13, 2025, from the Antwerp Township Board of Trustees providing official notice that the existing contract is no longer acceptable to Antwerp Township. With the Board’s rejection of the newly proposed contract at last night’s meeting, the 180-day period from Dec. 13, 2025, notice remains in effect. This establishes a deadline of June 14, 2026, for the District Library to present Antwerp Township with a new proposed contract outlining your terms, at which time the Township may review and either accept or deny the proposal.
“During the discussion, several Board members referenced amending the 1997 contract.
“I appreciate the encouragement expressed regarding incorporating the proposed $25,000 repayment to the Township for five years of non-payment. However, I continue to have significant concerns about ensuring that contract terms are equitable and consistent across all municipalities within the district.
“As you know, Antwerp Township provides the largest facility in the district at 6,680 square feet and maintains the highest circulation among the branches. While the Township initially proposed a one-year agreement and the Board discussed the possibility of a multi-year contract, I will await the Board’s formal proposal before commenting further on contract length.
He concluded, “I remain optimistic that we can reach mutually agreeable terms prior to the June 14, 2026, deadline. Antwerp Township is committed to the continued success of its library branch. However, we are seeking a partnership that reflects shared responsibility for the branch’s operation and sustainability, rather than placing the full financial burden on the Antwerp Township general fund.”
Who is Rezick in this article?