A Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Budget Committee July 16, 2026.

CALL TO ORDER

The Budget Committee meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Krebs, Ross, Zaporowicz-Short.
Absent: Parent.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Stam, McPhillips.

BUDGET

Working Budget—
Director Wittmann presented a summary of the proposed budget. She explained that the revenue estimates are based on figures provided by Jamie Rachlin, as the tax extension had not yet been received.
Director Wittmann noted that the part-time hours of employees transitioning to full-time positions will not be backfilled. She also reported that salaries account for 53% of the budget, which is comparable to the previous year’s budget.

Trustee Zaporowicz-Short inquired about the projected utility expenses. Director Wittmann responded that utility costs were increased by 30% over last year’s actual expenditures.

Director Wittmann reviewed the items included under the Databases budget line and noted that several of those expenses will instead be charged to the Per Capita budget.

Trustee Krebs asked why Maintenance salaries were lower than the amount budgeted the previous year. Director Wittmann explained that the prior year’s budget included funding for additional hours that were ultimately not utilized.

Trustee Magnelli asked how the remodeling project was reflected in the proposed budget. Director Wittmann responded that a line item had been added for the Remodeling Project with a budget of $2,750,000. She further explained that a revenue line item for Debt Certificate Proceeds in the amount of $1,750,000 had also been added, along with $1,000,000 from the Special Reserve Fund reflected in the Operating Income line item.

Director Wittmann also explained the projected 15% increase in health insurance costs, noting that the estimate was recommended by LIMRiCC, the library’s insurance pool.

Director Wittmann reported that the budget includes a 4% merit increase for staff, which is slightly below the current Consumer Price Index (CPI). She explained that newly hired employees will be eligible for a merit increase of up to 2% after six months of employment and up to 4% after one year.

Projected Revenues—
Director Wittmann outlined the projected revenues for the upcoming year. She noted that all revenue figures are estimates and explained that the projections will be revisited once the tax extension is received from the County.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Trustee Ross and seconded by Trustee Magnuson, to adjourn the Budget Committee Meeting. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 P.M.