Library Board Discusses Library District

Members of the Effingham Public Library Board are continuing their discussion of establishing a library district. The district would include territory outside the city limits.

Library Director Amanda McKay said the area to be included in an expansion has not been determined. McKay said the areas that are already part of the St Elmo Library District and the Altamont Library District would not be considered.

The Library Board signed an engagement letter with Jamie Rachlin of Meristem Advisors. Rachlin will research financial projections for a possible new district. McKay said the goal would be to keep the tax rate at the same rate, if not lower the rate. She said the question would not go before affected voters for at least the next couple of years.

The Board will hold a retreat on January 11, just ahead of their regular monthly meeting, to discuss what territory could be considered to be included in a library district.

The library board also decided to maintain its existing hours of operation; Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm and Friday 8am-6pm and closed on weekends, in light of the pandemic.

The Board granted employees two days of comp time for Christmas, renewed liability insurance coverage with the City of Effingham, and canceled the December Board meeting. The tax levy was also passed.