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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Host families forge lasting friendships with returning Britt musicians ... Our View: Sams Valley residents outmatched in power struggle ... Ashland struggles with increase in 911 calls ... Host families forge lasting friendships with returning Britt musicians ... Our View: Sams Valley residents outmatched in power struggle ... Ashland struggles with increase in 911 calls ... LIBRARIES Jackson County Library District approves $5.62 million contract with LSSI Private company will receive 3% increases each of five years Comment By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM » Social News The Jackson County Library District board on Monday unanimously approved a five-year contract with 3 percent annual increases for a private company to continue staffing local libraries. Maryland-based Library Services and Systems LLC — known as LSSI — will receive $5.62 million during the fiscal year that begins this summer to operate the district's 15 branches. The figure includes a 3 percent increase to cover rising costs for staffing, books and other expenses, said board member Maureen Swift. The company will receive 3 percent increases in each year of the five-year contract, she said. If the board decides to choose another entity to run libraries during those five years, the contract allows the board and LSSI to work together to make that change, Swift said. "Continuing operations as they are right now is in the best interests of all parties involved," she said. "They've been a good partner. They'll give us flexibility." Board member Carol Doty said she is very comfortable with the contract terms, including the annual increases. "From my perspective, they're a very good buy," Doty said. She said LSSI plans to add a volunteer coordinator, which will allow libraries to expand programs and activities. When Jackson County libraries closed for six months in 2007 because of a reduction in federal money that flows to counties, the county chose LSSI to operate the libraries after they reopened. LSSI absorbed many local library workers. The company promises more efficient, less costly operations because of its national reach. The Jackson County Library District board is continuing negotiations with Jackson County over maintenance of library buildings and grounds. The county prefers to keep control over maintenance functions. The district was formed after county voters last year approved a levy of up to 60 cents per $1,000 of property value to provide permanent, stable funding for libraries. The board has adopted a tax rate of 52 cents per $1,000 of property value, which still has allowed it to increase hours at most branches. Many branches had been operating on reduced hours since reopening in 2007. Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous .     By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 3:33 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501