Posted August 4, 2003.

Fargo PL Ponders Booting LSSI over Late Payments

The Fargo (N.Dak.) Public Library board is taking a close look at performance issues with the Maryland-based private firm Library Systems and Services Inc., which has managed the library’s operations since 2001. Board members first noticed an accumulation of overdue bills during the company’s first performance review in February 2002; the situation improved but emerged again in May when unpaid bills resulted in some subscription lapses, the Fargo Forum reported July 31.

Board President Betty Kerns sent a letter June 29 to LSSI President Frank Pezzanite that said “if this matter is not taken care of immediately, you will be given a 30-day notice of our intention to break the contract with LSSI.” The firm’s contract is in effect until December 2004, but it has a clause that allows the board to dismiss LSSI if problems continue.

Pezzanite responded July 12, saying that LSSI was modifying its procedures to ensure that Fargo’s bills are handled with the highest priority. “We are not perfect but always work to correct any problems quickly,” he wrote.

However, the board is pleased with Library Director Charles Pace, who works for LSSI and would have to go if the contract is broken. Board Vice-President Prakash Mathew told the Forum, “My concern is how we retain the good director that we have. Charles has done a tremendous job for us.”

Posted August 4, 2003.