Technology, salaries boost Gail Borden library budget

The Gail Borden Public Library is increasing its lineup of technology classes, a popular offering that always generated long waiting lists, officials said.

This year's proposed $15.1 million operating budget accounts for $15,000 in digital literacy classes after a technology education manager was hired earlier this summer, said Denise Raleigh, the library's division chief of public relations and communications.

New classes include tutorials on LinkedIn, Pinterest and more; the library staff will also get technology training, she said.

"We are very excited to bring these to our community, and it's a necessity for our staff to continually learn," she said.

The new position is part of a $305,000 increase in salaries that are part of the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2014-15.

The increase in salaries and wages - which overall amount to $6.19 million - is also due to raises and new hires, Raleigh said.

The library added "a few positions to public service as attendance surged at the branch this summer," Raleigh said. "We beefed up assistance at (the) main (branch) during the summer, and there may be a few other considerations to plan for."

The library's 2014-15 fiscal year began July 1. The library board approved a working budget earlier this summer and is expected to adopt the final budget Tuesday.

The proposed budget represents a 4 percent or so increase from last year's budget. More than half the increase is due to a one-time, $275,000 payment of the library's automated sort system that will save about $25,000 in interest, Raleigh said.

Without that payment, the budget's increase is only 1.6 percent compared to last year, she said.

The library plans to purchase a few more printed materials - mostly for the main library - and more e-books, Raleigh said.

The library also plans to spend $70,000 more than last year in equipment due to aging computers and an updated email system, she said.

Pension contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund are expected to decrease this year from $790,000 to $733,000 because of the favorable market conditions, she said.

The library also wants to increase its exhibits budget by about $5,000.

"We have a very energetic community and staff, and requests for projects and exhibits have never been higher," she said.

Based on a recent recommendation by a consultant, the library plans to increase its reserves to five months' worth of operations, rather than three months' worth as is customary, she said.

The library district serves about 145,000 residents in Elgin, South Elgin and portions of Hoffman Estates, Streamwood and Bartlett. The board meets tonight at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the library, 270 N. Grove Ave, Elgin.