The Woodstock Library budget passed overwhelmingly in September 6 balloting, by a margin of 511-166. The now-approved spending plan is for $641,744, a 3.69 percent increase over the current year. But a projected increase in contributions from the Friends of the Library keeps the tax levy at $585,544, an increase of only 1.5 percent.
In voting for two seats on the board of trustees, incumbent Tamara Katzowitz finished in the lead with 384 votes, while newcomer Kevin Kraft grabbed the second seat, with 321. Incumbent Elaine Hammond, who favored renovation of the current library rather than tearing it down to be replaced by an all new library, finished third and out of the running with 294 votes.
The new budget includes funding for opening the library on Mondays, adding a sixth day of operations to the schedule. It also includes 2% raises to keep hourly staff in line with future minimum wage increases.
Next up for the Woodstock Library is a public be heard session scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, September 13 at Woodstock Town Hall, 76 Tinker Street, to allow the public to express itself regarding the three proposals for a new library building on the current footprint. The board then plans to choose an architect from among the three at a 7 p.m. Thursday, September 20 meeting at the library. The board says that no contract will be signed at that time.
Then, on Tuesday, November 6, when Woodstock voters go to the polls to choose a congressman, state legislative, governor and attorney general seats, along with a Town Board member, they’ll also have a referendum choice as to whether the library district should be dissolved.
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