Carol Hogan-Downey

The agenda for the meeting covers a comprehensive review of staff activities, financial reports, and the acceptance of bills. Key business includes preparations for the fiscal year 2027, such as board elections, board meeting dates, holiday schedules, liability insurance, and the system area and per capita grant. Additionally, the board will discuss updates on the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act, human resources reports, executive director evaluation, committee and partner reports, and membership considerations.

The agenda for the Board of Directors meeting includes a staff activity update, review of financial reports, and acceptance of monthly bills. Additional business topics include board elections for the upcoming fiscal year, updates on the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act, and various committee and partner reports. The board will address human resources matters, including staff reports and potential executive sessions for personnel evaluations. Unfinished and new business items cover grant applications, operational planning, the executive director's evaluation, board officer nominations, holiday and meeting schedules, liability insurance, and membership considerations.

The committee held routine meetings for the Budget and Finance and Policy and Membership committees, including reviews of the FY2027 budget proposal, certification reports, and the FY2027 draft Operational Plan. Discussions included an overview of the historical budget versus actual figures, with clarification provided on how census-related funding impacts are offset by per capita percentage increases. The committee also reviewed the FY2027 draft budget, which reflects overall reductions from the previous fiscal year, and discussed the process for determining ongoing, completed, or eliminated projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting included the acceptance of monthly bills and the approval of the staff activity report. Key discussions focused on financial reports including grant status and expenditure reviews, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) update, and legislative advocacy regarding the Illinois Library System Act. The Board discussed staff realignments within the human resources department, updated pay grade assignments, and reviewed historical budget performance. Additionally, the Board reviewed the FY2027 draft budget, operational plans, approved a budget amendment for the iLead LTT grant, and authorized an additional bank signer. Partnership reports were provided by AISLE and the Illinois Library Association.

This document outlines the Illinois Heartland Library System's FY2027 Operational Plan, which is meticulously structured around its newly established Strategic Plan Goals. The plan's core pillars are: 'Engage Members,' focusing on building strong relationships, enhancing communication, and advocating for libraries; 'Support Library Services,' aimed at providing high-quality continuing education, robust services, shared resources, and innovative technologies; and 'Organizational Development,' ensuring transparency, fostering a flexible structure, and promoting staff preparedness and leadership. The plan emphasizes improving member awareness, access to comprehensive resources, and overall operational effectiveness through a commitment to fiscal responsibility and adherence to system standards.