Woodstock Library Trustees unanimously adopted a 2017 spending plan, asking voters for a 3 percent tax levy increase to fund for more materials and building maintenance.
Proposed spending is $599,616, down 5 percent, or $28,654, from the 2016 budget of $627,870, while the proposed levy of $565,566 is up 3 percent, or $16,378 from the current levy of $549,188. Director Janet Dymond explained that unlike the current year, trustees opted not to use part of the fund balance to offset taxes.
While overall spending is down slightly, the proposed budget increases spending in key areas noted in a recent survey. Staff received a 2 percent raise, though that and other costs were offset in other areas, such as health insurance where employees are asked to contribute more. Reducing each employee’s Health Reimbursement Account, or HRA from $1000 to $800 resulted in a $12,000 savings. HRAs are used to reimburse employees for certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copays and pharmacy bills.
The tax hike required another resolution — which also passed unanimously — to bypass the state tax cap of 2 percent, or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
While a 3 percent jump may raise some eyebrows, Dymond points out that it amounts to $3.67 for a home valued at $300,000 based on information from the town assessor’s office. That breaks down to just under 31 cents per month.
And what do you get for that pocket change?
For one, more books and materials. Respondents to a survey distributed in November said they wanted to see more current items in the library, so that line has increased $700.
Responding to a call for more adult programs, funding has increased from $200 to $2100 to bring in more instructors and facilitators. Many are now volunteers, so the extra money will allow the library to pay a specialist in a certain area to run a program and be able to purchase materials or rent space if town buildings are not available, Dymond said. Both the materials and programs line items haven’t seen increases in several years.
The budget also includes an increase of $2500 for building maintenance, a response to survey respondents who said they want to see a cleaner, more comfortable library. While trustees are in the midst of a master plan update, they’ll have to make do with the current facility for now.
Beefed-up building maintenance will “directly impact the patrons’ use of the library,” Dymond said.
Frequent patrons know climate control can be a challenge in the building. The New York Energy Research and Development Authority, NYSERDA, provided the library with a free energy audit and concluded it needs a complete overhaul of its HVAC system at a cost of at least $8500.
Dymond said the library will wait to see the results of the master plan update before it makes any commitments, noting it is more sensible to wait until plans are made for any building additions.
In the meantime, the library will make a small, inexpensive improvement even homeowners can make for more efficiency. Programmable thermostats will be installed to be sure heating and air conditioning can be turned off or down when the building is not in use. Dymond said the small step will save a significant amount of money.
Yearly audits
New this year is about $6000 built into the Professional Fees line item for a full audit. While this isn’t something tangible for library patrons, it’s seen as a transparency issue. And as Dymond said, it should be done every year, but hasn’t been done since 2010.
Former Town Councilman Ken Panza, who is running for the Library Board, is not convinced there’s a need to pay an accountant for something that is in the annual report filed for the library by the CPA firm Kimball & O’Brien PC, the same firm used by the town.
The state Comptroller’s Office, will also do a basic check of the books for free upon request, Panza said.
“I think we should have the money in there. We can always move it out if we don’t do it,” said Trustee Jill Fisher. All others agreed.
Election Day
In addition to the budget, voters will elect five trustees. Those interested in running can pick up a petition at the library or download the form at https://ulsterpub.staging.wpengine.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/2017-Petitions.pdf. Each candidate must acquire 25 signatures from residents of the Woodstock Library District. Petitions are due August 2 at 6 p.m.
The election is September 1 from noon to 9 p.m., with voting at the library.
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