The Niles-Maine District Library is planning to spend nearly 19 percent more next year, with trustees adopting a tentative $13.5 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that includes a jump in building and maintenance costs tied to a $2.7 million renovation project.

Residents who pay into the library's taxing district, including portions of Park Ridge, can weigh in at a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. The board is expected to vote on the final budget following the hearing, as Journal & Topics first reported.

The four trustees present at the July 15 meeting voted unanimously to approve the tentative spending plan under Ordinance 26-02. President Becky Keane, Vice President Patti Rozanski, Secretary Kathy Toy and Trustee Umair Qadeer voted yes. Treasurer Roberto Botello and trustees Dave Scheler and Suzanne Schoenfeldt were absent.

What the numbers mean

The $13,514,136 budget is the library's actual spending plan. The board also approved a $27,028,072 appropriation, which under Illinois law serves as a legal ceiling on spending. The appropriation is set well above the budget to give the district flexibility during the fiscal year, which runs July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The proposed budget is up about $2.14 million from the $11,378,500 approved for FY2025-26. Two years ago, the operating budget was $9.9 million.

Salaries make up the largest share at $4.76 million in the budget, up from $4.25 million last year. The library employs roughly 43 full-time and 40 part-time staff.

Renovation drives building costs

Building and maintenance spending jumps to $779,000 in the budget, up from $445,500 in FY2025-26. The repairs and improvements line alone rises from $100,000 to $365,000. The increases align with a $2.7 million renovation the board approved in July, with work set to begin Sept. 1 on the library's lower levels, including updates to the first-floor KidSpace area.

Special reserve funds for building and equipment total $4.25 million in the budget, up from $3.32 million last year.

Revenue and reserves

The library projects receiving $9.47 million from all sources during FY2026-27, primarily from property taxes and personal property replacement taxes. With estimated cash on hand of nearly $17 million as of June 30, the district plans to draw down reserves to cover the gap between revenue and spending, leaving an estimated $12.95 million on hand by year's end.

The property tax levy for the coming year has not yet been set. That vote typically occurs in November or December.

How to participate

The Aug. 19 hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. Board meetings are open to the public. The tentative budget ordinance is posted on the library's website.