About the Proposition for Library Funding on the November 5th Ballot
What does a ’YES’ vote mean?
Simply that adequate funding will be provided to support the continued operation of the Elting Memorial Library.
What will it cost me?
If your house assessed at a value of about $300,000, you will pay an additional $18 per year to support the library. Library funding is
included in the overall town budget. Because the proposed 2014 budget for the Town of New Paltz calls for a reduction in the overall
tax rate, the proposed increase for funding for the Library may not result in any increase in your overall town property tax bill.
The library seems okay the way it is. Why not continue as we are?
The Library’s last increase in funding was in 2009. In the four years since then, use of the Library has been up in all categories —
number of people using the Library, number of items borrowed, number of programs offered, etc.
How much does it cost to run the library?
The Library’s 2013 budget is $458,000. Of this, $321,000 comes from the local taxpayers. A detailed budget is available in the library
upon request. The Library is requesting and additional $75,000 from the taxpayers for a total of $396,000. The remainder will come
primarily from fundraising activities led by the Board of Directors.
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How do we compare to other libraries?
• Currently, New Paltz taxpayers provide 70% of the library’s operating budget, while the majority of the 21 libraries in
Ulster County receive 90 to 100% of their operating budget from taxpayers.
• Elting Memorial Library receives the lowest percentage of public funds of all libraries in Ulster County.
• At the same time, the library’s per capita taxpayer support is also below average for the region (51st out of 67 libraries).
Isn’t Elting Memorial Library private?
No! The library is an association library, organized and incorporated in the same way as the venerable New York Public Library. All
New Paltz town and village residents are entitled to free library privileges, and our many events are open to the public. We are a nonprofit organization and must report to the New York State Education Department each year.
Will taxes for the library automatically go up every year?
NO! Any future increase in funding must be put to a vote by New Paltz residents in the same way this proposition is being put before
the voters on November 5th.
What will happen if we vote “no” and the proposition fails?
• We will not be able to expand our hours, as we have planned and as the community has requested. Additional morning and/or
evening hours are being considered. In fact, without this additional funding, it may be ncessary to cut the hours we are open to
the public in the future.
• The purchase of books, DVDs, audio books, and other materials will be cut.
• We may have to charge for books and other materials borrowed through the Mid-Hudson Library System. Incidentally, our
community has one of the highest rates of use of materials via interlibrary loan.
• The future of our library will be less secure.
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How will we benefit if the proposition passes?
• We will be able to meet the community’s growing need for books, films, audiobooks, computers, periodicals, reference materials
and programs for all ages.
• We will extend our hours, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when the Library is currently open only from 1:00 to 5:30.
• We will begin providing public access to ebook readers and other new technology.
• We will replace aging high-use public computers.
Where will I find the proposition on the ballot?
This year’s ballot has six statewide propositions on it. Local propositions follow these. Propositions are on the back of the ballot. Remmember to turn your ballot over! Our proposition will be the seventh and final one on the ballot — Lucky #7!
Who can I ask if I have more questions?
Richard Heyl de Ortiz, President of the Board of Trustrees: [email protected] or 845-649-7049
Irene Edmond-Rosenberg, Trustee: [email protected] or 443-413-2429
Alison Nash, Trustee: [email protected]
Or visit the Library website at www.eltinglibrary.org
November 5. Election Day. Your Vote. Your Library. On the Ballot.
Proposition 7 of 7
“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.” -- Walter Cronkite