Florida library airs budget this Monday

2-percent increase in tax levy would restore Sunday hours Florida - The Florida Public Library will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2006-07 budget on Monday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at the library. The regular monthly meeting of the board of trustees will follow the hearing. The budget proposition and the election of two trustees will be included on the Florida School District ballot on Tuesday, May 16, at S.S. Seward Institute from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. New voters may register at the school on May 4 or May 9 from 3-7 p.m. The new library budget proposition asks school district voters to approve a total increase of $5,000 in tax support for the library for the coming year. This would be a two-percent increase over the $249,605 levy of both the current year and the preceding year. Last year’s budget defeat limited tax support to the same amount as the previous year and resulted in losses in library service, including a 15-percent cut in hours of operation and in personnel. The passage of this year’s budget would restore library hours on Sundays and preserve current programs, according to Library Director Madelyn Folino. Several unexpected donations from library patrons and bequests from the estates of former residents, totaling $15,000, allowed the trustees to minimize this year’s tax increase. The bulk of these funds have been earmarked for upgrading and expanding library technology for computers and internet access. The tax rate in the Town of Goshen is estimated at .77 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which is an increase of two cents per $1,000 over last year, but is the same tax rate as the 2004-2005 budget two years ago. The tax rate in the Town of Warwick is estimated at $3.36 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is an increase of six cents per thousand over last year. Copies of the proposed budget are available at the library. Two five-year trustee terms, commencing on July 1, also will be on the ballot. Newcomer Kathleen Misciagna is the only candidate who has filed a petition, leaving the second seat to be filled by write-in vote or by appointment by the board of trustees. Qualified candidates may contact Folino at 651-7659 for information on the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of trustees. Information for this story was provided by Library Director Madelyn Folino.