A Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Budget Committee July 17, 2025.
CALL TO ORDER
The Budget Committee meeting was called to order at 6:36 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Parent, Krebs, Braun, Ross (6:38 P.M.).
Absent:
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Stam, McPhillips, Lewis (7:24 P.M.).
BUDGET
Working Budget—
The committee convened to review the proposed working budget, which totals $5,933,779, representing a 6% increase over last year’s budget. Director Wittmann presented the budget, noting that it was developed using projections from Jamie Rachlin. She aimed for a 3% across-the-board increase for salaries.
Key Budget Adjustments and Allocations—
- Salaries: Currently account for 48% of the budget; Director Wittmann will verify last fiscal year’s percentage.
- Medical: Budgeted for a 25% increase.
- Conferences:
- ALA Conference: Budgeted higher this year as it’s being held locally, allowing for up to five staff members to attend.
- ILA Conference: Budgeted for six employees to attend.
- Reaching Forward Conference: Budgeted for six employees to attend.
- Digipalooza: A two staff members will attend this e-media conference.
- Utilities: Budgeted for a 30% increase.
- Trustee Expenses: Decreased by $500, allowing for a few trustees to attend ALA or ILA conferences.
- Materials:
- E-books: Increased slightly.
- Databases: Decreased as the State is now providing EBSCO databases for free.
- Ephemera (now “Library of Things”): This new category will cover the circulation of STEM boxes, Tonies, and passes for Kohls and the Art Institute.
- Streaming Fees: Decreased slightly.
- AV Material Costs: Decreasing due to the shift towards streaming.
- Library Operations: Increased slightly to cover print charges for patrons in Harwood Heights and Norridge.
- Excise Taxes (Phone Bill): Increased slightly to cover rising costs.
- Computer Software: Increased to purchase 25 Microsoft Office licenses for staff.
- Virtual Communication Services: Increased slightly due to rising G Suite subscription costs.
- Library Programs: Decreased slightly; this account will now cover Workshop and Social Services programs.
- Other Expenditures:
- Website Development: Increased to contract with Library Market for an ADA-compliant website.
- Special Reserve Account: A $500,000 transfer has been budgeted.
Trustee Parent inquired about the funding source for editor costs, to which Director Wittmann advised it could come from Collection Development.
Projected Revenues—
Director Wittmann outlined the projected revenues for the upcoming year, largely based on Jamie Rachlin’s estimates. The equalized assessed value (EAV) is projected at $997,854,412, with a tax rate of 0.4944. She explained that operating income encompasses a combination of fines, fees, and carried-over funds. This year’s projections also include grant money and a transfer to the Special Reserve fund.
Director Wittmann reviewed the various subfunds with the committee, noting that Jamie’s projected tax dollars for most subfunds were slightly underestimated, with the exception of unemployment compensation. All other funds are performing well. She specifically allocated 15% for liability insurance. Director Wittmann thinks the Library is now very competitive with the employee salaries. She thinks a merit increase is better for motivation as opposed to COLA increases.
Director Wittmann clarified the purpose of the Special Reserve fund, emphasizing that these monies can be used for significant projects like library remodels and upgrades. She also differentiated it from the regular Building Maintenance fund: The Special Building Maintenance fund is specifically for repairs, maintenance, landscaping, and other expenses related to the maintenance and improvement of existing building and grounds.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Trustee Ross and seconded by Trustee Parent, to adjourn the Budget Committee Meeting. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
