Westchester Public Library employees won’t get raises this year but the matter still can be revisited, the Library Board determined Thursday.

“The picture doesn’t look any better in June than it did in December,” said board president Vern Odom.

2009 raises of 2 percent for full-time and 5 percent for hourly workers had been discussed six months ago but a decision postponed to see if the nation’s economic uncertainty and Porter County’s ability to get property tax bills out on time improved.

Also, the library is still without an official 2008 final budget order from the state, let alone one for 2009.

Library director Phil Baugher said although WPL’s own financial position is good for now, that could be jeopardized by future unseen developments.

Odom said health insurance premiums are anticipated to skyrocket and if under a new federal program insurance has to be provided for part-time employees as well, it could be hard to keep WPL’s doors open.

Members Rick Hokanson and Sharon Robbins said the chronically late Porter County tax bills that provide WPL’s operating income make for a difficult situation. A $303,857 check was received last week as partial distribution of 2008 money owed WPL.

"How can you plan intelligently?” asked Robbins. “It’s so unnerving. I’d hope most (WPL employees) understand that and are glad they’re employed.”

Robbins also noted full-time WPL employees were given a better health-insurance plan last fall. “That doesn’t help the others, however,” she conceded.

WPL employs more than 60 people, most part-time. Hourly clerks now make $9.09 per hour. All employees got 3 percent raises in January, 2008. For discussion purposes 3 percent raises are included in a draft 2010 budget introduced last night; Baugher omitted a raise for himself.

Board member Karen Nash said she doesn’t think the economic downturn has hit bottom yet. Member Keith Davison, a financial advisor, said, “There’s still a lot of negativity (but) it seems there’s more to be optimistic about.”

“If the future looks less murky we need to see if we can do something,” said Hokanson regarding employee compensation. Lump-sum raises or one-time bonuses weren’t discussed. Board members emphasized that all employees deserve a raise; Baugher was asked to keep the pulse of morale to avert resignations in key positions if possible.

As for the 2010 budget, to be discussed again July 9, it includes a proposed $430,000 for books and related material acquisitions. Baugher said that represents 19 percent of WPL’s operating budget; new proposed state standards would require material acquisitions be at least 7.5 percent.

The 2010 budget draft will be adjusted next month to set an amount to be transferred into the non-reverting Library Improvement Reserve Fund. This year $370,724 was budgeted for transfer but a Thomas Library reroof and new HVAC installations at Hageman Library reduced that amount. Board members said replacing the 1975 Thomas boiler would save money through increased efficiency but took no action.

Baugher said the 2010 budget is even more uncertain because, while state tax officials are indicating a 4 percent increase in property tax levies may be allowed, the full impact of state-mandated property tax caps takes effect and collections actually could be reduced.

In other business, Baugher said the counter that records visitation at Thomas in Chesterton was misaligned. After the repair the May visitor count jumped to 11,336 or a 23-percent increase over May, 2008. Circulation of materials overall year-to-date is up 7.48 percent system-wide.

Hageman in Porter continues to lag with circulation down almost 10 percent last month. Baugher said several events and activities are being planned there including the possibility of some computer gaming to help attract young adults. A wireless Internet access module has been installed at Hageman, new periodicals subscriptions have been ordered and a paperback book sale will take place there Aug. 15.

The Library Board voted 6-0 with John Corso absent to promote five-year clerk Rhonda Mullin to the post of Automation/Serials Manager. Four persons were interviewed for the position. Baugher said an advantage will be Mullin will work evening hours having a manager available during that time.

The board also approved an expanded closing policy for library facilities taking more fully into account the reasons buildings may need to be closed, such as weather or by order of local, state or national emergency responders or health officials. The impact closures could have on patrons, services and employee work schedules/compensation is outlined, and added was the possibility that library hours may need to be extended during an emergency.

The Library Board retained the non-resident borrowing fee at $150 for persons who are affiliated with no other library services. Typically library systems have reciprocal borrowing agreements.

Baugher said WPL’s children’s summer reading programs have begun and the library is very busy, while a young adult program begins June 15. Assistant library director Jane Walsh-Brown said a series of ongoing programs to help cope with tough economic times is well-received and additional programs are slated in the coming months. Nash said the library is providing a great service to the community.

Posted 6/12/2009