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Hourly library worker urges Urbana Free Library board to prioritize pay as budget amendment shifts funds to legal services
Summary
An hourly library worker, Anne Pannebecker, told the Urbana Free Library Board the institution should prioritize pay equity for hourly staff, citing a packet item that would transfer about $26,500 to legal services and noting more than $71,000 has already been spent on legal services this year; the board approved a FY26 budget amendment that included that transfer and funds for security camera upgrades.
Anne Pannebecker, an hourly Urbana Free Library employee, told the board during public comment that hourly workers who do much of the front-line work are paid too little and asked trustees to prioritize their compensation and a path to equity.
"This is our time," Pannebecker said. She listed front-line duties performed by hourly staff — janitorial work, shelving, desk coverage, outreach and technology support — and said those workers often rely on food pantries, SNAP and Medicaid. She urged the board and administration to negotiate with staff and advocate to the city for cost-of-living increases and clearer paths to full-time positions.
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