Finances cause concerns, strains, in governmental bodies. The Aurora Public Library (APL) in recent years has been subjected to scrutiny and speculation. Much of the consternation is in possible increases in taxes.
The APL earlier this week was expected to seek an increase in the tax levy. Along with likely change from appointed Board members to elected Board members, there is speculation about an increase in the 2020 tax levy.
Executive director Michaela Haberkern held three public hearings last week, Wednesday at Santori, Thursday at West Branch, and Saturday at Eola Branch. The largest public gathering was the group of 35 at the West Branch. Each of the other two drew 23.
She said, “At West Branch we heard more than at the other locations the concerns about he governance model, but at all three locations there were questions about how the Library is governed. There is some anxiety about moving away from the city library structure . It was good to provide reassurance about how district libraries work and how commonly they are found in Illinois and n our (Aurora) area.”
There was a scheduled meeting Wednesday this week for the Aurora Library Finance Committee meeting.
David Pierce, former mayor of Aurora and watchdog of the Aurora Public Library, projected that the Library Board will request a levy of $13.5 Million. He wrote, “the 2019 budget will not support this levy. Illinois law requires that the 2020 levy be based upon the 2019 budget.” Pierce expects an amendment to the 2019 budget to allow for an increased levy in 2020.
• The East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education has a new five-year contract with Dr. Norrell, superintendent which extends the contract by one year for successful performance.
• The public is invited by a group involved with the Kendall Extension Study for rail service going into Oswego, Yorkville, Plano. Public open houses will be held 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 at the Plano Community Library and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Oswego Village Hall.