Library Board Reviews FY 2014-15 Budget

At its April 21, 2014 meeting, the Ann Arbor District Library board reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2014-15 budget, which is based on a millage rate of 1.55 mills – unchanged from the current rate. [.pdf of draft budget summary]

The $12.568 million budget assumes a 2.4% increase in tax revenues, based on an increase in property values. The library is authorized to levy up to 1.92 mills, but in recent years the board has set the millage rate at lower levels.

The budget reflects a 3% increase in the merit raise pool for full-time employees. Salaries, wages and benefits account for the largest portion of the budget expenditures – a projected $8.048 million in fiscal 2014-15. Other major line items include materials ($1.75 million); utilities ($448,000); programming ($320,000); and repair/maintenance ($312,000).

The library’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. The board is expected to vote on the budget at its meeting on May 19.

Ken Nieman – the library’s associate director of finance, HR and operations – made the budget presentation. April 21 was his last board meeting at AADL, as he’ll be taking a job as CFO for the public library in Sonomo County, California. Nieman has worked at AADL for 14 years. His last day there will be May 2.

This brief was filed from the fourth-floor boardroom of the downtown library at 343 S. Fifth Ave. A more detailed report will follow: [link]