Warsaw Library Board Approves One-Time Salary Adjustment For Employees

December 11, 2023 at 9:54 p.m.
Pictured is Warsaw Community Public Library Director Heather Barron. Photo by Liz Shepherd, InkFreeNews
Pictured is Warsaw Community Public Library Director Heather Barron. Photo by Liz Shepherd, InkFreeNews

By Liz Shepherd, InkFreeNews

Warsaw Community Public Library’s Board of Trustees approved a one-time salary adjustment for library employees during its meeting Monday.
Business Manager Renee Sweeny said 2018 was the last year WCPL was able to provide extra monies to employees through a salary adjustment. Each employee will get a type of year-end bonus by receiving the equivalent of two weeks of pay, as WCPL has the extra finances available to do so.
Board Secretary Jill Beehler said she initially thought the adjustment was a reward for long-time employees and for those who worked at the library through the COVID-19 pandemic. She asked why employees who recently started working at WCPL would also receive extra monies.
“Employees who have been here a longer time have had more time to accrue the pay raises and salary that they now have, which is determining what they’re getting (as extra),” said board member Tim Keyes.
“I see it as a recognition for what we’re starting, the direction we’re heading, and what we’re investing into everybody,” said WCPL Director Heather Barron. “I don’t know how often we’ll have this opportunity in the future.”
“This is a thing we’ve been unable to do because of circumstances,” said Board President Chris Merrill. “Now we’re back to being able to do it, so everyone gets it. Whenever we were able to do this, it was across the board.”
In other business, Barron informed the board she’s working to create job descriptions for adult program and communications coordinators, two new positions at the library.
“The goal is to really help increase our visibility and share our value in the community,” said Barron.
Barron also said the number of meeting rooms in WCPL will increase in January. Two rooms outside of Meeting Room C will now be utilized as meeting rooms.
The board also determined its slate of officers for 2024, with the slate to be officially voted on at the board’s January meeting. Merrill, Barbara Beck and Ben Rice will continue serving in their current positions as president, vice-president and treasurer, respectively. Board member Cathi Zdenek was nominated for secretary.
The board’s next meeting is at 4 p.m. Jan. 8.



Warsaw Community Public Library’s Board of Trustees approved a one-time salary adjustment for library employees during its meeting Monday.
Business Manager Renee Sweeny said 2018 was the last year WCPL was able to provide extra monies to employees through a salary adjustment. Each employee will get a type of year-end bonus by receiving the equivalent of two weeks of pay, as WCPL has the extra finances available to do so.
Board Secretary Jill Beehler said she initially thought the adjustment was a reward for long-time employees and for those who worked at the library through the COVID-19 pandemic. She asked why employees who recently started working at WCPL would also receive extra monies.
“Employees who have been here a longer time have had more time to accrue the pay raises and salary that they now have, which is determining what they’re getting (as extra),” said board member Tim Keyes.
“I see it as a recognition for what we’re starting, the direction we’re heading, and what we’re investing into everybody,” said WCPL Director Heather Barron. “I don’t know how often we’ll have this opportunity in the future.”
“This is a thing we’ve been unable to do because of circumstances,” said Board President Chris Merrill. “Now we’re back to being able to do it, so everyone gets it. Whenever we were able to do this, it was across the board.”
In other business, Barron informed the board she’s working to create job descriptions for adult program and communications coordinators, two new positions at the library.
“The goal is to really help increase our visibility and share our value in the community,” said Barron.
Barron also said the number of meeting rooms in WCPL will increase in January. Two rooms outside of Meeting Room C will now be utilized as meeting rooms.
The board also determined its slate of officers for 2024, with the slate to be officially voted on at the board’s January meeting. Merrill, Barbara Beck and Ben Rice will continue serving in their current positions as president, vice-president and treasurer, respectively. Board member Cathi Zdenek was nominated for secretary.
The board’s next meeting is at 4 p.m. Jan. 8.



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