The Library Board of Trustees reviewed a preliminary working budget for the upcoming fiscal year during its May 27 meeting, highlighting a notable increase in funding for staff development and signaling major steps toward long-term financial planning.

Executive Director Cathy Palmer presented the draft budget, walking trustees through changes from the previous year. While no vote was taken to allow board members more time for review, the document drew positive feedback, particularly for its enhanced commitment to employee training.

Treasurer Alvin Kempf, Jr. expressed his satisfaction with the allocation for professional growth. “I’m proud that the continuing education budget was increased and that the library can help our staff continue to learn,” Kempf stated during the discussion. He later commented on the library’s success in filling open positions, acknowledging that “getting them trained can be challenging but our staff are up to the challenge.”

The budget discussion occurred as the library takes concrete steps to secure its financial future. Palmer confirmed that a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued to hire a financial advisor, with proposals due by June 13. The selection of an advisor is a critical precursor to future capital planning.

Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke connected the new hire to the library’s future bonding needs, asking about the status of the bond counsel. Palmer assured her that the counsel is “ready to go once we have a financial advisor picked out.”

In other financial matters, the board approved the monthly report from its bookkeeping firm, Lauterbach & Amen. O’Rourke questioned if some budget lines that are currently overdrawn would be rectified by upcoming tax payments. Palmer confirmed that the “remaining tax levy distributions will offset some of the items that are over” and that finances “will balance out when we receive them.”

The board also approved the monthly check register. The review prompted a question from Vice President Kathy Lewandowski about payments to multiple telecommunication companies. Palmer clarified the library’s layered approach to connectivity: Comcast serves as the primary internet provider, AT&T is a backup line, T-Mobile provides service for hotspots checked out by patrons, and Rival 5 is used for the phone system.

The draft budget will be brought back for further discussion and a potential vote at a future meeting.