47°
The proposed budget will see an increase of 3.34 percent in the tax levy. This represents an increase of $211,898 in the overall library budget, or an annual increase of $13.41 per household for the average taxpayer (estimate furnished by the city Finance Department.) This growth is specifically tied to fixed increases (contractual obligations concerning personnel and fringe benefits) and the need to maintain facility infrastructure.
The increase also includes the additional funds devoted toward debt service payment of the library infrastructure bond as well as enhancements to security, physical plant cleaning and maintenance, technology and collection development. These latter increases concern the proposed long-range plan and directly acknowledge input from over 2,300 patron survey responses and focus group opinions and requests.
The library board believes this budget provides the resources to allow the library to continue its mission of service to the community, Geoffino said. In challenging economic times, robust library services are critical in helping the community meet educational, business/vocational, cultural and recreational needs, he said.
The election will allow voters to fill three vacant library board positions. The board plays a pivotal role in setting policy as well as management oversight.
The following statistics illustrate the activity of the library:
• Circulation loans are fourth-highest in Westchester County.
• Reference questions answered are second-highest in the county.
• Program attendance is second-highest in Westchester.
• Hours open are second highest in Westchester.
• Patron visits are the highest in Westchester.
Despite the library's success, tax support is modest, Geoffino said:
• Local public support per capita is 10th-lowest in Westchester.
• Local public support for library materials per capita is third-owest in Westchester.
• Number of library paid staff per each 2,000 of population served is the lowest in Westchester County.
Voting on May 19 takes place from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Board of Education polling sites throughout New Rochelle.
For more information, email tgeoffino@nrpl.org or call 914-632-7879.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Rochelle and receive free news updates.
