Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Public Library Board met Oct. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order  

Present in-person at roll call were Finance Committee Chair Christine Fenne, Al Herbach and President Laurie  Metanchuk. Absent: Steve Siemer. Library Director Betsy Adamowski, Ed Sirovatka, IT/Facilities Manager, and  Library Finance/Business Office Manager Lisa Christell-Sandri were also present. 

II. Citizens to be Heard 

None 

III. Motion to Approve Finance Committee Meeting Minutes from October 5, 2023 

Mrs. Metanchuk moved and Mr. Herbach seconded to approve the motion.  

Ayes: Mrs. Metanchuk 

Mr. Herbach 

Mrs. Fenne 

Nays: None 

Absent: Mr. Siemer 

Motion Carried 

IV. Discussion of Wheaton Public Library CY2024 Budget 

Mrs. Adamowski stated that the Library’s budget had not changed since the last meeting. There was discussion  concerning the proposed increase in the Library’s levy that City Manager Mike Dzugan presented during the  October 9th City Planning Session. Some City Council members had questions about the proposal, and  questioned the Library’s funding, among other things. Councilman Brown had the following questions which the  Finance Committee discussed a response to: 

“Is the library the city’s burden to bear?” 

“Are there more people using the library, attending the programs?” 

Councilman Brown’s statements below were also discussed: 

“If the library were self-sufficient, there would be more tax dollars for the City.” 

“Are the hours of the library serving the users, are they too many?” 

“Why is the library’s budget short?” 

“Where would the library be in ranking city services by the residents?” 

In his statements, the library was referred to be the same as the Downtown Wheaton Association and Park  District. 

Ultimately, the Council did not support the City Manager’s proposal. It was agreed that some education on the  part of the Council was needed to clarify the library’s role in the City of Wheaton’s budget and responsibilities. 

After the Planning Session, there were further questions received from Councilman Brown to City Manager Mike  Dzugan: 

Questions for Libraries today: 

• Is the historical footprint of a library still needed? How do we monitor utilization? 

• What are new communities doing for a library (i.e. new residential communities)? 

• Is there a resulting way the city can better utilized excess space, reallocating budget dollars?

• If all the space is not needed, does the city lease it to outside groups? Do they sell the building and increase  the property tax base? 

Ultimately - I would challenge the Library to chew on these topics given how a community now consumes their  legacy resources (i.e. books and research materials). It is by no means a negative for those leading the library, or  staff. Rather it is the reality and challenge for them to be strategic leaders. 

The Finance Committee members discussed the need to respond directly to Councilman Brown’s questions. Mrs.  Adamowski noted that 92% of the Library’s revenue comes from property taxes and the need for more funding  is imperative as the Building Renewal fund yearly contribution has increased by over $100,000, healthcare cost  to the Library rose by $53,000 and the recent benchmarking project along with the mandatory minimum wage  increased wages by $153,000. It was agreed that President Metanchuk and Chairperson Fenne will plan to talk  to the Mayor and, possibly, Councilmembers to clarify the position that the Library is in. 

V. Adjournment 

Mr. Herbach moved and Mrs. Metanchuk seconded to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion for  adjournment was carried at 6:56 p.m.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10162023-2399