Library Board Adopts New Spending and Conduct Policies

Article Summary:

The Peotone Public Library Board of Trustees approved two key governance documents, an “Authority to Spend” policy and a “Board Code of Conduct,” to clarify financial procedures and ethical standards for board members. The policies were adopted during the board’s June 17 meeting.

Peotone Library Board Key Points:

• The “Authority to Spend” policy was approved to make spending limits for routine and emergency situations transparent.

• The board also approved a “Board Code of Conduct,” which was then signed by all trustees present.

• The spending policy passed on a 5-1 vote, with one trustee abstaining and one absent.

The Peotone Public Library District Board of Trustees has formalized its rules for spending and trustee ethics by officially adopting two new policies.

At its June 17 meeting, the board approved an “Authority to Spend” policy. According to Board President Margaret Horne, who read from the policy, its purpose is to clarify and make transparent the spending limits for both routine and emergency situations. The policy also incorporates guidelines for who has the authority to sign checks. The measure passed with five votes in favor. Trustee Sandra Gall abstained, and Trustee S. Dascenzo was absent.

The board also unanimously approved a “Board Code of Conduct.” After the vote, the official policy was signed by President Margaret Horne and Secretary Bonnie Patek. Each of the trustees present—Horne, Patek, Treasurer Susan Chisausky, Mary Jane Carlson, Sandra Gall, and Vice-President Jean Oliver—also signed individual Code of Conduct documents to be kept on file with Library Director Sarah Ehlers.