Kentucky Public Library Trustee Manual - KDLA

Kentucky Public Library Trustee Manual
44
Fundraising
The library board may find that local funding and state support are not sufficient to
fund all services and programs of the library. The board can examine other fundraising
options. Before starting a major fundraising campaign or establishing an endowment
fund or foundation, the library board should consult an attorney to avoid violation
of any state or federal laws on soliciting charitable donations.
Many libraries, rather than be directly involved in fundraising events, work with a
local Friends of the Library group or library foundation. Such groups, usually with
501(c)(3) status, maintain their own treasury and use their proceeds to fund specific
projects at the library.
Model Procurement Code
Public libraries, as governmental entities, are required to bid any expense over $20,000,
excluding professional services, or to purchase from vendors on the “State Price
Contract” list. The Model Procurement Code is an option open to libraries, but it is
not mandatory. It must be adopted by the board as its official method of purchase,
and until officially rescinded, remains the procedure which the board must continue
to use for its purchasing methods. It is found in KRS 45A.345-45A.460 which spells
out in great detail how a government agency may and may not spend funds. The
Code also covers selling surplus property under KRS 45A.425.
Adopting the Code allows flexibility in making purchasing decisions; consolidates
buying power of state and local governments; increases public confidence;
provides alternative methods of source selection; minimizes political influences;
provides direction and policy; gives the library director full and final authority to
make procurement decisions; allows for an audit trail of purchases; and keeps all
procurement matters documented at a centralized location.
Spending Public Funds
Governmental appropriations must be for a “public purpose.” Generally, a public
purpose has for its objective the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, general