Important Upcoming Dates for Public Library Districts

Apologies in advance - I'm breaking the 250 word limit for this important topic.

Over the next few months, from a financial standpoint, there are quite a few important dates and deadlines for public library districts to consider:

June 30: Last day to adopt the Prevailing Wage Ordinance, a certified copy of which must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State and Department of Labor and published in the local newspaper. (820 ILCS 130/9)

July 1: Schedule of regular Library Board of Trustees' meeting dates including the time and location, must be prepared and made available to the public. This information, however, may be presented at the beginning of the calendar year instead of the beginning of the fiscal year. (At least 5 meetings must be held.) (5 ILCS 120/2.03 and 75 ILCS 16/30-50)

August 23: Last day (30 days before adoption of ordinance and hearing thereon) to make the tentative budget and appropriation ordinance available for public inspection and publish notice for hearing thereon. (50 ILCS 330/3 and 75 ILCS 16/30-85)

August 30: Last day (within 60 days from July 1) for treasurers to file a sworn, detailed and itemized statement of all receipts and expenditures of any character for the preceding six months and showing the names, addresses, positions and salaries of every employee. [The statement shall be furnished for reference on request to all daily newspapers, the library, the Circuit Court Clerk and City, Village or Town Clerk.] (50 ILCS 305/1) AND Last day for library to authorize payment of obligation incurred in prior fiscal year with funds from that year in amounts up to 20 percent of those appropriations. (75 ILCS 16/30-90).

September 1: Last day to prepare and file written report including Secretary's audit, boundary changes, outstanding liabilities and bonds, etc. to State Librarian. (75 ILCS 16/30-65)

September 22: Last day (no later than the fourth Tuesday of September) for board to enact a budget and appropriation ordinance which shall be published once thereafter. (75 ILCS 16/30-85)

September 28: Last day (90 days after end of fiscal year) for audit of the records kept by Board's secretary to be filed. (75 ILCS 16/30-65)

September 30: Last day to pay obligation incurred in prior fiscal year with funds from that year in amounts up to 20 percent of those appropriations. (75 ILCS 16/30-90) AND Last day to transfer unexpended funds from prior fiscal year to Special Reserve Fund. (75 ILCS 16/30-90 and 16/40-50)

There are similar categories, but many different dates for Municipal and Township Libraries. These can be found in the Library Days and Dates to Remember Calendar at the Alliance Library System website.

Make sure that you have your ordinances reviewed by your library's attorney prior to finalization and publication.