Library Board Gets More Info on Possible Expansion Plans

Effingham Public Library board members heard more this week concerning a possible effort to shift from a public library to a library district.

Jamie Rachlin of Meristem told members they're in good shape as far as expenses as opposed to revenues, its cash balances, and its reserves.

Rachlin, though, said the library needs to put more money aside for facilities, and to prepare for the effect of the increase in the minimum wage.

Library Director Amanda McKay said Rachlin had information on potential revenues that could be generated by annexing additional territory. McKay said the legal firm retained to lead the library through the expansion process will be in attendance at the Board's April meeting. The attorneys will share the legalities involved in moving ahead with an annexation effort before the Board decides whether to pursue a referendum sometime next year.

In the meantime, the Board voted to set the non-resident participation fee at $146.75. That will be effective May 1, the start of the city's new fiscal year. McKay said the amount is the average of what in-town residents pay in taxes for library services. 

The other big news at the meeting is that the library will return to some in-person programs and meeting room bookings in April. Storytime on Tuesdays will require registration by those who wish to attend. A book discussion group and the Seniors With Attitude Group, or SWAG, will return to in-person gatherings.