Des Plaines Library cuts pay raises

Des Plaines Public Library officials recently authorized further cuts to the library's 2010 operating budget in response to criticism from city leaders.

The library board agreed to cap annual merit-based pay raises at 2.75 percent - previously employees could get up to 6 percent raises - and defer filling two open full-time positions until 2011.

The library board in September adopted a proposed $6.9 million budget for 2010, which officials said is a 4 percent decrease from the 2009 budget of $7.2 million. Officials cut items like the library's quarterly newsletter, membership in a cable network and out-of-state travel for staff.

But last month, city council members complained earlier library budget cuts didn't go deep enough.

The library is funded by the city, and therefore the city council must approve the library budget. The council has no control over how the library spends the money.

"We're waiting to see what their final numbers are," Mayor Marty Moylan said. "We certainly think they are taking steps in the right direction and we encourage them to continue."

The library board recently discussed other cost-cutting measures such as reducing or eliminating mobile library service, but deferred taking action until June 2010.

The board also is considering an intergovernmental agreement with the city outlining fees for services provided by the city to the library. That includes legal, human resources, financial and media services. It is unclear how that will impact the library budget.

An attorney for the library is reviewing the agreement, which will be discussed at the board's Nov. 17 meeting.

The library board is expected to approve a final budget at that meeting.