Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Public Library District for March 19, 2026

Peotone Public Library District Meeting | March 19, 2026

The Peotone Public Library District Board of Trustees addressed a series of administrative and financial housekeeping items during its regular meeting on March 19, 2026. In addition to appointing Rebecca Markus to a vacant trustee seat and approving a $15,000 special reserve transfer for a feasibility study, the board laid the groundwork for the upcoming fiscal year by reviewing early budget drafts and adopting internal policy updates.

Fund Balance Policy Approved:
The board unanimously adopted a new Fund Balance Policy. Following a brief discussion on the policy’s parameters, Trustee S. Dascenzo moved for its approval, with a second from Trustee Bonnie Patek. The measure passed in a 5-0 roll call vote.

Library Director Job Description Updated:
Trustees formally accepted an updated job description for the Library Director position. After reviewing the document with Director Sarah Ehlers, Trustee S. Dascenzo moved to accept the description as presented. The motion, seconded by Board President Margaret Horne, passed via a 5-0 voice vote.

FY 2026-2027 Budget Preview:
Director Sarah Ehlers distributed a working draft of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget to all board members. Trustees were instructed to review the preliminary figures in preparation for a formal budget presentation scheduled for the April meeting. Alongside the budget draft, Ehlers also provided the board with a “Limiting Rate calculation sheet” for their review.

Capital Expenditures Tabled:
A scheduled review of the full list of capital expenditures for the year-to-date FY 25-26 was bypassed during the session. The board opted to table the informational item until the following month’s meeting.

Staff Appreciation Noted:
During the Trustee Comments portion of the meeting, Board President Margaret Horne shared that library staff had given the board two thank-you cards. The cards were sent in gratitude for the board providing lunch for the staff during the recent Christmas party. Furthermore, Director Ehlers encouraged the board to review the monthly “marketing and promotion standard” sheet as part of the ongoing library standards review.