Library Director to Start Next Month Pending Commission Approval

John Hong accepted the position of director of the Churchill County Library and is set to start on Oct. 20. He was one of two people interviewed for the position on Aug. 28.

The library board convened in a special meeting on Sept. 10 to appoint Hong and finalize his employment package. Human Resources Manager Kim Brontsema negotiated with Hong to start at Grade 72, Step 7. According to the county’s FY25-26 Pay Scale, his salary starts at $106,829, and he will receive county-paid benefits for health care and participation in PERS retirement. The board approved the package unanimously.

Churchill County Code states initial appointments will start at Step 1 “except as otherwise noted,” and the Board of County Commissioners may approve an advanced step to meet a difficult recruiting problem or for a person who holds superior qualifications. Because the library board agreed to start Hong at Step 7, his selection and pay grade must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

Myles Getto, chair of the county commissioners, attended the meeting in his official capacity and indicated support from the commission. The commission will consider the employment package, plus a $2,000 moving allowance, at their Sept. 17 meeting.

Hong currently works at Dallas Baptist University’s Vance Memorial Library and has experience working at three community libraries in Texas. Hong earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York and his Master of Library Science degree from Queens College of the City University of New York. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University.