RSS Feed
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
Lindenhurst Library vote Thursday, April 3 On Thurs., April 3, voters in Lindenhurst will head to the polls to vote on their annual budget, and to select library trustees. The vote is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the library, 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst. A public hearing on the proposed 2008-09 budget was presented by Peter Ward, library director, March 27. The library is looking to increase spending from $4,008,000 to $4,190,600 for the coming year. That represents a 4.5 percent increase in spending. The current tax rate of $8.50 is estimated to increase to approximately $8.79, if the budget is approved. That would increase the library tax bill $10.15 a year on a home assessed at $3,500. Initiatives for the coming year include utilizing $80,000 from the library's fund balance to update library equipment. "Instead of using bonds (borrowing), we will pay as we go," said Ward in explaining how the work will be paid for. Ward said that the rest of the budget is designed to cover the increasing costs for existing programs and services. Douglas Ferraro, library board president, said the library received state grants and credited Senators Owen Johnson, Charles Fuschillo, and Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, which helped the library pay for improvements to its technology program. He also recognized the library director for his work in applying for these grants. "Pete is very astute and has gotten us many grants," said Ferraro. "He got about $45,000, for computers and that helps to reduce local taxes." Some residents attended the hearing to get more information on a rumor circulating throughout the community that the library was working on plans for a major expansion. "I heard that the library will be expanded at a cost of $40 million," said Lindenhurst resident Gerry Sullivan. "Is that true", she asked. "We do not have anything to present to the public," Ward said. "This has been talked about since 2001." Ward said that the library board was made aware of some structural issues with its existing building and that it has been exploring options with regard to how they can be addressed. "We brought in an architect and engineer to take a look at the building, and right now we are reviewing alternatives. What we decide will have a lot to do with those costs," he said. "When we have something, the public will be the first to know." Residents will also be asked to reelect Diana Coyne who is running unopposed for the seat she assumed mid-year in 2006 to replace Nancy Pessenhoffer.
Registration is underway. Absentee ballots are also available at the library. For information, call 631-957-7755.
|
for larger version       Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information |
||||||||||||||
