Library Board Discusses How to Use Additional Revenue from End of TIF District

Even with a two-cent reduction in the tax rate, Effingham Public Library is anticipating a 13% increase in revenue in the coming fiscal year.

The reason for the increase is the expiration of the original Effingham Tax Increment Financing district. The end of the TIF district puts the land included in the district back on the tax rolls.

The new fiscal year begins May 1, 2023.

Library board members are now discussing how to best utilize the increased revenue.

The Board this week also purchased an automated materials handler. The device will be used at the circulation desk inside the library. Library Director Amanda McKay said the machine will help with staff efficiency and accuracy in putting returned items back into circulation. 

The price was also nice; $100,000 had been budgeted for the machine, but the bid came in at $55,000.

Also, the library board changed their personnel policy to make the Illinois Child Bereavement Leave Act into the Illinois FAMILY Bereavement Leave Act, and also approved the dates for five all-staff training sessions during 2023. The library will be closed for three hours during those five training dates.