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Local library budget votes and trustee elections coming
"We have provided a new computer system this year as well as a security system that will keep everyone, especially our children, safe," said Library Board President Dorothy Weissgerber. "We are looking forward to another great year." The library's current budget is $2.86 million and voters are being asked to approve a $2.98 million budget in a vote scheduled for Tues. April 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The budget hearing was held March 26. One resident attended, but no questions about the budget were asked of the board. Library Director Gail Pepa said she hoped that the public would register and vote for the budget. "We assume that the public is satisfied with the level of services we are providing, but would like to see them come out for the vote," said Pepa. The current library budget is $7.86 per $100 of assessed value. That means that a home assessed at $3,800 pays $298.68 a year for library taxes. The proposed rate is $7.70, or a total annual cost on the same home of $292.60. The proposed budget calls for an increase in spending for books, audios, CDs, magazines, and newspapers of $11,955. The line item for permanent improvements went from $27,500 to $33,803, and the line item for professional salaries for the director, assistant director and all librarians went from $807,570 to $844,873. The library board also approved money for retrofitting the HVAC system in the coming year, and anticipates receiving grants for the work currently being done on the library parking lot, offsetting most of that cost from the local taxpayer. Other increases included line items for New York State Retirement, Social Security and health insurance benefits, and security and custodial services. There is no plan to add new staff, but Library Board President Dorothy Weissgerber said that the budget maintains the current level of services for residents. "We would hope that our residents, who use the library all year long, will come out and vote for the budget April 8." Running for another five-year term unopposed John Gagliano. For more information, call 631-586-3000. Other Local libraries are gearing up for their annual budget and trustee votes West Islip Library is holding its vote April 15 and had a public hearing scheduled this week. That library is proposing a $3.2 million budget for the coming year, which represents an increase in the library tax appropriation of 3.3 percent. It is estimated that the proposed library budget, if passed, would cost the average West Islip homeowner an additional $12.56 a year. Also on the ballot in West Islip April 15 is the proposition for Library Trustee. Joan Schumacher is seeking another five-year term and to date has no opposition. In other districts, •Babylon is holding its hearing April 7, 7 p.m., at the library 24 S. Carll Ave., Babylon. Its budget vote is scheduled for April 16, between noon and 9 p.m. Three trustee seats are open. On the ballot are incumbents Andrew Calimano Jr., the current president of the board; current board members Corinne Robinson and Frank C. Fronzo and resident Arlene Weber. The three candidates who receive the highest number of votes will be seated. Voter registration is on a continuous walk-in basis at the Babylon School District Clerk's Office at the Junior-Senior High School, 50 Railroad Ave., Babylon from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Absentee ballot applications are also available at the library, on its website, and the district Clerk's Office. For more information, call Library Director Marina Sullivan at 631-669-1624. •West Babylon's budget vote is April 16, 1 to 9 p.m., at the library, 211 Rte. 109, West Babylon. The public hearing is scheduled for April 9, 7 p.m. at the library. Up for reelection is one library board trustee. •North Babylon Library is holding its budget and trustee vote April 15 from 1 to 9 p.m. at the library, 815 Deer Park Ave., North Babylon. The public hearing is April 8. One trustee's seat is up for election.
•Lindenhurst will hold its vote April 3 and its public hearing was Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m. One trustee seat is open. The library is at 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst. (See story, page 12)
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