In attendance were Vince Volpe, President, presiding; and Keith Savage, Vice President; John Dubinsky, Nina North-Murphy, and Tom Schlafly. Jacque Land and David Sweeney attended virtually. Lisa Stump attended from Lashly & Baer attended virtually.
Also present were Chief Executive Officer Waller McGuire and staff members Maryann Brickey, Jon Drakesmith, Cathy Heimberger, Mary Meyer, Joe Monahan, Jim Slattery, Laura Stallings, Justin Struttmann, and Jen Wiese.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Volpe.
Minutes:
Mr. Schlafly’s motion, seconded by Ms. North-Murphy, to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2026 meeting was approved.
There was no public comment.
Chief Executive Officer’s Report:
- Mr. McGuire reported that Cabanne and Schlafly libraries will reopen to the public on May 18th. Public notice will go out on May 11th, and banners and celebrations will note the openings. Walnut Park hours will return to normal on the 18th.
- Mr. Slattery reported that total cash and investments at month’s end, March 2026, was $52.8 million, which is $2.8 million higher than March 2025 but $1.9 million lower than month’s end February 2026. The month to month decrease is primarily due to the decreasing cash coming in from the City for tax revenue and the annual bond principal and interest payment of $1.58 million made to UMB in March.
Revenue from the City was $458,000 in March, which is $88,000 higher than last year. On a fiscal year to date basis, the City tax revenue for real estate, personal property and surtax is $2.05 million higher than last fiscal year through 6 months. As budgeted, Interest and Dividends is $256,000 lower than last year on a fiscal year to date basis. Other Income of $1.15 million includes the money SLPL received from insurance for Julia Davis, which was not in the budget.
Expenses: Through 6 months, total Operating Expenses of $15.2 million represent 47.3% of the annual budget and are $243,000 lower than fiscal year 2025. Collections expense is at 49.3% of its budget, which includes a significant amount of annual costs already incurred for databases. Compensation and Benefits are tracking as planned and are at the levels communicated to the Fiscal Affairs Committee in March. Compared to the last fiscal year, there have been the same number of payroll periods through March, and this year's expense is only 2.8% higher than fiscal year 2025. are lower than last year, that category is at 60.3% of budget. Total Expenses year to date are $17.7 million which is 45.9% of the annual budget and $1.5 million lower than fiscal year 2025. As stated, the Library paid $1.58 million for the bond's principal and interest in March. Total Expenses year to date are $17.7 million, which is 45.9% of the annual budget and $1.5 million lower than fiscal year 2025.
Jen Wiese summarized the HR report and said that recruitment and hiring strong candidates for open positions was going well.
Mr. McGuire reported that Ms. Reeves was out of town and the Foundation report had been sent out.
New Business:
Mr. McGuire noted that five Human Resources policies have been updated to meet current law and terminology. The changes were described during the April meeting; a summary sheet of all proposed changes was in the Board packet along with a copy of each proposed policy with changes noted.
| Mr. Dubinsky moved, seconded by Ms North-Murphy: | that the proposed Equal Employment Opportunity Policy be approved. The motion was approved unanimously. |
| Ms. North Murphy moved, seconded by Mr. Schlafly: | that the proposed Recruitment Policy be approved. The motion was unanimously approved. |
| Mr. Savage moved, seconded by Mr. Schlafl: | that the proposed Tuition Reimbursement Policy be approved. The motion was unanimously approved. |
| Ms. North-Murphy moved, seconded by Mr. Schlafly: | that the proposed Family Medical Leave Policy be approved. The motion was unanimously approved. |
| Ms. North-Murphy moved, seconded by Mr. Schlafly: | that the Board go into Executive Session to discuss contracts and legal matters. The motion was unanimously approved by roll call vote. |
At 6:13 the Board came out of Executive Session
| Mr. Land moved, seconded by Mr. Schlafly: | that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was approved unanimously. |