March 18, 2024 Budget Minutes
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at 7:00 pm.
Roll Call
Those present were:
Park Forest Public Library Board Members: Sevena Merchant, Alan Shnay, Alice McBride, and Jessica Rodrigues
Absent: Felicia Rangel, Katherine Coleman, and Lance L. Jefferson
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Barbara Osuch and Mary VanSwol
Library Budget FY 2024-2025
The Board reviewed the budget. President Merchant began by reviewing the income, which has increased from last year.
The Board reviewed expenditures. The staff salaries have increased. The draft budget predicts a 3% increase across the board. Trustee Rodrigues stated that she would like to increase the training budget and include tuition reimbursement. Several local libraries offer tuition reimbursement. Trustee Rodrigues stated that some of the requirements include a number of years of service before and after getting a degree. Some libraries leave it to the discretion of the library director. President Merchant said that the Board would need a policy first.
Trustee Rodrigues had concerns about the library book giveaways. She read studies that showed that literacy is not increased by book giveaways. She asked for measurable outcomes of the book giveaways and felt that the book giveaways might reduce circulation. The Board discussed book giveaways, and the Board asked for this issue to be addressed in the strategic plan. Library Director Osuch stated that patrons sign up for book giveaways so they get the books they want. Trustee Rodrigues suggested getting grants for the giveaway books.
President Merchant asked about the IMRF funds. IMRF is the pension fund. Staff members who work 20 hours per week or more participate in IMRF.
The Board discussed IRMA, the library’s liability insurance.
The Board reviewed other expenditures. Trustee Rodrigues asked about increasing patron limits for Hoopla. Staff will look into the need for increasing limits.
The Board discussed the Indirect Cost to General Fund. The Board talked about whether the library should become a library district. President Merchant wants to know the advantages for becoming a library district. Staff will look into the differences and the conversion process.
Audience to Visitors
No one addressed the board.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.