Two days after Simcoe County councillors called for an investigation into what they're calling a "breach" resulting in a confidential report allegedly circulating amongst library CEOs, it's still not clear who or what will be involved in the investigation.
During a council meeting Tuesday, county councillors said there should be "consequences" after a confidential report went onto the public county website for a brief time and was allegedly downloaded and circulated by CEOs at municipal libraries in Simcoe County.
The report was presented to council in closed session and included a recommendation to dissolve a 74-year-old library cooperative that serves 14 public libraries across Simcoe County as a cost-sharing service for special collections and bulk-purchasing. County council ultimately voted to dissolve the Simcoe County Library Cooperative, but that does not involve closing any libraries.
Discussions and reports on the dissolution had been entirely in closed meetings prior to the vote, but an alleged “technical glitch” led to the confidential report being published briefly to the county’s public website. From there, it was picked up by one or more of the CEOs of libraries across the county, according to county councillors.
For that, councillors voted to have an investigation into the "breach."
When asked for further details on the investigation into library CEOs in the county allegedly having and circulating the staff report meant for a closed session meeting, the county said the exact method of investigation is not decided.
"Staff are looking into all options regarding an investigation as per council's direction," said Simcoe County Clerk John Daly. "Details will be communicated to council once confirmed."
The Collingwood Public Library Board met today for a regular meeting, which included a closed session discussion.
After returning to public session, the board issued a statement through vice-chair Margaret Adolphe, who said the board received legal advice following the Tuesday council meeting.
"We the Collingwood Public Library Board have full confidence in the Collingwood library CEO," stated Adolphe.
The board said it would await further announcements and/or actions by the county before commenting further.
-With files from Jessica Owen
