WARSAW — Warsaw Community Public Library's new director Joe Fox said building goodwill with the community is one of his top priorities. 

And he's not wasting time.

The first few weeks on the job have been a whirlwind as he assesses the library, meets staff, and engages with numerous groups in the community.

“I feel like there's a lot of work that needs to be done as far as bringing some of our costs down and gaining exposure in the community and really pumping up goodwill. So we have some work to do,” Fox said.

He said this week that he's begun scrutinizing the budget, looking for savings.

“I think one thing is we get over-reliant on particular vendors and services that we use over the course of many years. So, identifying, are there other people that offer services or products cheaper?” Fox said during a taping of In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations in Warsaw (see schedule below).

He said replacing eight public computers recently with new public-use software will result in a saving of several thousand dollars.

Fox was hired to replace Heather Barron, who left soon after Warsaw City Council defeated a bond issue for $17 million that the library had hoped to use for renovations.

Barron was in the spotlight leading up to the council vote and was scrutinized on budget decisions while also seeing complaints on social media about her salary level. 

Fox confirmed that his new pay level is lower.

Without getting into specifics, Fox's starting salary is about $8,000 less, according to public records.

“There was some negotiation with my salary — I was aware of what my predecessor made  – and honestly, I think that is a nod to goodwill to take a little bit less,” Fox said.

Tonight, Warsaw Friends of the Library will host a special fundraiser at Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion with money going toward a capital improvements fund. The event will feature numerous activities and runs from 5 to 8 p.m. 

The Friends are working to collect money for a $50,000 matching grant.

Tonight's event will include music, bingo, a silent auction, food, a mocktail bar, and line dancing. Newly designed library shirts will be given in exchange for $25 donations.

Fox said he’s impressed with the grassroots reaction to the funding dilemma and looks forward to supporting other ventures.

“I think it'll be the first of many. And with Friends' organizations, I think I'll continue to meet with them to generate ideas on how to raise more money,” he said.

Overall, the library is seeking to raise $8 million to take care of some expected upcoming costs that would have been covered by the bond.

He understands it’s a steep hill to climb.

“You know, we can't do it on our own. They can't do it on their own, but I feel like together, by the time we're able to get in front of the council again and ask for a bond, maybe we'll have put some decent money away toward some big projects,” he said.

In The Know broadcast times:

Now Warsaw (99.7 FM and 1480 AM):

Friday at 9 am and 5 pm

Saturday at 7 am

Sunday at 7 am

WRSW (107.3 FM)

Sunday at 6 am

WILLIE (103.5 FM)

Saturday at 7 am

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