Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | August 2025

The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees made significant financial decisions during its regular meeting on August 26, most notably giving final approval to the 2025-2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. This action, which followed a brief public hearing, sets the library’s legal spending limit for the next fiscal year. In another major development, the board decided to pause its current Master Plan expansion proposals due to their significant financial impact and will instead explore alternative approaches. For more on these key decisions, see the full stories.

The board also approved a separate ordinance for its building maintenance fund, addressed recent website security issues, and approved its annual report to the state. In closing, the board announced the upcoming departure of one of its members, Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke.

Board Approves Building and Maintenance Ordinance
Brief Title: Board Approves Building and Maintenance Ordinance: The trustees unanimously approved Ordinance 370-2025, known as the “2 Mils Ordinance.” This routine measure levies the .02% tax for the Building, Sites, and Maintenance Fund. Its passage is a required step that must occur before the library’s main Levy Ordinance is adopted and must be published at least 108 days prior to the next election.

Annual State Report (IPLAR) Approved
Brief Title: Annual State Report (IPLAR) Approved: The board unanimously approved the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR). The report, presented by Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke, is a standard yearly requirement providing the state with data on the library’s finances, operations, and services.

Board Authorizes Destruction of Old Closed Session Recordings
Brief Title: Board Authorizes Destruction of Old Closed Session Recordings: The trustees passed Resolution 371-2025, which authorizes the destruction of audio or video recordings of closed sessions that are eligible for disposal under the Open Meetings Act. A minor correction was made to the resolution’s wording before its unanimous approval.

Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke Announces Departure from Board
Brief Title: Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke Announces Departure from Board: Board Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke announced that she will be leaving the board as she is moving out of the library district. She expressed her gratitude for the “wonderful experience serving on the board.” Treasurer Alvin Kempf, Jr. and other trustees thanked her for her service.

Over $73,000 in Bills Approved
Brief Title: Over $73,000 in Bills Approved: The board unanimously approved the payment of bills totaling $73,093.19. The motion was made by Secretary O’Rourke and seconded by Trustee Erin Minh.