Gail Borden tax levy increases slightly

The Gail Borden Public Library is keeping its tax levy relatively flat for 2012 after doing the same in 2011.

Deputy Director Karen Maki said officials felt the need to hold the levy because of the economy.

“We are being very careful about what we spend,” Maki said. “We’re continuing to buy materials, both print and eBooks, but spending judiciously.”

The library levied $11,627,500 for its operating budget last year and will increase that by less than half of a percent for 2012. Board members approved a request of $11,673,500 earlier this month.

Trustee Randy Hopp was the only board member present who opposed the levy.

The major purchase for 2012 was the main library’s automated material sorting system, which will be paid off over the next five years. Maki said a big project for 2013 is construction of the digital media lab.

The lab was planned when the library’s teen studio opened with build out waiting until next year.

“The library continues to be a vibrant place for the community,” Maki said. “We do our best to meet their needs and spend their money wisely.”

Denise Raleigh, division chief of public relations and development, said circulation and attendance numbers continue to rise at the library, which serves close to 150,000 people in Elgin, South Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Bartlett.