Mokena Library Board Approves 2025 Tax Levy and Seeks State Grant Funding

Mokena Community Public Library District Meeting | Nov. 25, 2025

Article Summary:
The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees unanimously approved its annual tax levy and authorized an application for a state per capita grant. The board also renewed its payroll services contract, which includes a fee increase.

Mokena Library Financial Key Points:

• Tax Levy Approved: Trustees passed Tax Levy Ordinance 374-2025 via a unanimous roll call vote.

• Grant Application: The board authorized the submission of the Illinois Per Capita Grant application, which is projected to net over $24,000 for the district.

• Payroll Contract: A renewal with Lauterbach & Amen for 2026-2027 was approved with a 3% cost increase.

The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, secured the district’s funding sources for the upcoming year by adopting a new tax levy and applying for state aid.

The board voted unanimously to approve Tax Levy Ordinance 374-2025. The motion was introduced by Treasurer Alvin Kempf, Jr. and seconded by Trustee Sara Carmody.

In addition to local property taxes, the board focused on state funding. Trustees approved the submission of the Illinois Per Capita Grant application. According to Executive Director Cathy Palmer, the library expects to receive over $24,000 if the application is accepted.

The grant program allocates a maximum of $1.475 per resident to eligible libraries. To qualify, the library must meet state performance standards and maintain an anti-censorship policy consistent with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.

The board also addressed administrative operational costs. Trustees voted to renew the library’s payroll services contract with Lauterbach & Amen for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Director Palmer noted that while the firm provides good customer service, the renewal includes a 3% price increase over previous years.

In monthly financial business, the board approved the check register totaling $52,158.94. During the review, trustees discussed book purchasing costs. It was noted that Amazon currently offers a 35-50% discount on new books and materials, a comparison made against the library’s previous vendor, Baker and Taylor, which recently closed.