Chair Marguerite Treest called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m.

Committee members present were Marguerite Treest, Laurie Kagann, and Tanya Berley arrived at 6:58 p.m. Dir. Fulton was present to act as a consultant for the discussion about health insurance. Absent committee members were John Slusser and Don Brant. Staff members present were Shirley May Byrnes, Claudia Sheets, Jane Plass, Denise Zielinski, Pam Kramer, Mary Jean McCleary, and Phylis Wagner.

1. Health Insurance

   The committee members present agreed that most companies require employees to pay at least a partial amount towards health insurance. Exec. Dir. Byrnes mentioned that as a non-profit employee, salaries tend to be less then private business, so the benefit packages tend to be more generous in order to recruit and retain employees.

   Claudia Sheet distributed handouts, which were discussed:

   • The 2002 Small Employer Health Insurance Survey stated why they offer a health plan, and the percentage they pay for employee and family coverage.

   • The results of Claudia’s survey of the other 11 Illinois library systems about the health insurance offered to their employees and their families. Each of the responding systems expect an increase in the premium from at least 20% to possibly 62%. All but one of the systems currently pay 100% of the cost for employee insurance.
   • The results of the survey of DLS employees enrolled in the health insurance plan. The responses and the employees concerns were discussed.

   After much discussion, the committee agreed that since the health insurance has been renewed, and the proposed FY04 budget is balanced, DLS should stay with Plan 102 and continue to pay 100% for employees. This decision will be reviewed if the per capital grant is reduced. Next year, the Board should discuss this benefit prior to the insurance renewal date. Exec. Dir. Byrnes thanked the committee, on behalf of the DLS employees, for their recommendation to the Board.

2. FY04 Area & Per Capita Grant Application

   The budget notes, included with the budget spreadsheet, state the differences in each line item. Exec. Dir. Byrnes contacted Greg McCormick at the Illinois State Library to get an explanation of the effect on the system, school, and public library per capita grants if the Governor requires a 5% administrative fee on all special funds such as, the Live and Learn and Educate and Automate funds. There is no legislative bill requiring that to happen, and there is no movement on the state budget at this moment.
   Another unknown is in the budget for Voices of Vision (VOV). The current five centers are being reduced to four centers. The closing of one center will give an additional 400 patrons to VOV along with the potential for further growth. To offset these changes, Karen received a communication from Sharon Ruda, the Regional Librarian, stating that for the first time in many years, the centers could prepare a budget that includes an increase. However, they need to be prepared to receive the previous amount.

   The March payment from the Illinois State Library was received May 6, so payments are now two months behind.

   The committee agreed to recommend that the board adopt the Area & Per Capital Grant application for FY2004 as presented.

3. Other - None

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Phylis Wagner, Recorder