Next week, voters in Troy will decide on a public library budget proposal that includes a 6.2 percent increase to the tax levy.
The Troy library's 2020 operating budget's increase is estimated to add $4.00 to the average residential property tax in the city. Library Director Paul Hicok says the information center has several needs that are driving the increase in the more than $1.3 million spending plan. "Our library has been a bit short of funds ever since it became a district back in 2010. Right now, the things that we're concerned with are the book and materials budget, which has been sort of historically low. Also we are concerned about building maintenance and repair. We have two buildings, both of which are over a hundred years old, so we have increased those line items somewhat. But also we're also concerned about our salaries here at the library. We have been lower than regional and state averages for library employees. What that does is it sort of results in higher turnover of staff here. So we have increased salaries, we have a new salary schedule that does increase salaries. We also are facing increases in health insurance."
Hicok says this year a project at the Lansingburgh Branch was completed with a state Public Library Construction grant of $210,000 to replace or restore all the windows in the building as well as replace all three entrance/exit doors and rebuild and improve access to the basement. "We are now in the process of starting a new grant cycle for work here at the main building, a lot of it is masonry work that needs to be done. And that grant was initially $208,000 plus $125,000 from a SAM [State and Municipal Facilities Program] grant."
Hicok adds grants are usually "matching grants" on a dollar for dollar basis, noting that if the budget isn't approved the library would have to use the current budget. "We would have to operate at the current level. We would not be able to implement an improved schedule, we would not be able to purchase additional materials, that kind of thing."
108th district Democratic state Assemblyman John McDonald, who has helped the Troy library secure grants, says the vote comes at a critical time when public libraries nationwide are expecting an uptick in people using library services — specifically internet access during the coming census, which will largely be conducted online for the first time. "And obviously we want our communities to stand and be counted and be heard loud and clear. And by providing resources to help the capital expenses of the library, from my perspective, it's a good use of public funds. It benefits the local taxpayers and at the same token helps make sure that we have a safe and welcoming environment which is gonna be critical for success of the census."
Troy's library budget vote and trustee election will be held from 12 noon to 8 p.m. September 24th at the Main Library and Lansingburgh Branch. The proposed 2020 budget is posted below.
