On Monday, May 11, the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees presented the library’s proposed 2015-16 budget of just over $4 million. The levy portion of that budget comes in at about $3.7 million, an increase of 1.3 percent over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap.
The library’s spending plan reflects a savings in personnel expenses through a reorganization and a drop in state retirement contributions. Because of this, library officials said they were able to increase the budget line for materials, focusing on high-demand items like e-books for all ages.
“This budget allows us to keep doing what we do best – provide access to relevant materials, dynamic programming and evolving technology – while remaining mindful of the needs of our taxpayers,” said library director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick.
If the budget is approved, the owner of a home assessed at $200,000 could expect to pay an estimated $2.56 more than last year, according to tax rate estimates provided by the town. The exact figures won’t be available until the final tax rates are set in August.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 19, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School. Voters will also be selecting two candidates to fill two open seats with five-year terms on the board of trustees. The six candidates are: Danielle Balzan, Mark Danziger, Lisa Scoons, Brian D. Sweeney, and sitting board members Jeremy Martelle and John McCarthy.
The library vote is held in conjunction with BCSD’s budget vote. Details about the library budget and candidates will be available at the library and on the website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
To read more about each candidate, follow the links below:
The profiles were compiled from a voluntary questionnaire included in the candidates’ information packets. Biographical information on candidate Mark Danziger, of Delmar, is omitted from our candidates profile because his information was not made available.
