A Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Budget Committee July 20, 2023.
CALL TO ORDER
The Budget Committee meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun.
Present Electronically: Parent
Absent: Ringelstein.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Stam, Lewis (6:45 P.M.).
BUDGET
Projected Revenues—
Director Wittmann discussed the projected revenues. She reported that she did not have the extension yet from the County. She advised that 2% was the average increase. She checked with Jamie Rachlin and advised that 2% was a good benchmark and that we will probably receive more than that. The interest rates will start going down in 2024 so she was a bit conservative with that. She estimated $20,000 for PPRT and $40,000 for interest. The only income line we didn’t meet was e-commerce. She estimated $11,200 for operations income.
Working Budget—
The committee discussed the proposed working budget and reviewed the individual line items. Director Wittmann reported that the salaries were the biggest budget item and larger than normal. This is the final year that we have to adjust the schedule since it is the last mandatory minimum wage increase. Due to cost of living going up she said the salaries are a bit higher and she is adding in some new positions. She budgeted for an Assistant Head for Kids World. They are the only public service department without an assistant head. She budgeted for a Library Service Clerk, Workshop Clerk, and Tech Clerk. Telecommunications was a bit overspent. The Gordon Flesch lease was coming out of printing, and now it will be in the Library equipment account. She included $12,000 for the 50th anniversary celebration. This will come out of the programming budget. Tech Services is moving to a new labeling system that won’t fade. She budgeted for this. Continuing education was bumped up a bit for a staff member to get Specialized Stem training and there are a few people that need to attend more webinars. She decreased the tuition reimbursement budget. IMRF fees are coming down. The rate is reduced, but there will still be a few new staff members enrolled. Liability insurance will increase a bit. Trustee Parent needed clarification on the budget. He asked about projected revenues for sub-funds and whether the corporate fund could accommodate transfers into other accounts, should we not collect enough tax money in those funds to cover expenditures. Director Wittmann advised that she conservatively budgets for things and is confident that there will be enough money to cover any potential shortages in sub-funds. She advised that the working budget could always be revised if need be. When she gets the extension, she may need to revise the budget. In the next few months Director Wittmann may have the Board vote to transfer money into the special reserve account.
Salary Schedule Revision—
Director Wittmann proposed that the Board approve the FY2024 Salary Schedule. This reflects the $14.00 minimum wage increase. Last year not every group received an adjustment but this year all the groups would be adjusted. The Director’s salary is in the medium range when compared to other libraries. Trustee Magnuson was very happy that people over the maximum would still be receiving a potential merit increase. We have a high-level staff retention and she feels they deserve raises.
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 7:02 P.M.
