News
May 20, 2015Voters Approve Albany Public Library Budget; Two Trustees Also Elected
ALBANY, NY—Albany city residents voted today to approve a 1.6 percent increase in the annual tax levy to support the Albany Public Library. The 2016 budget was approved by a final vote of 2,177 to 879.
The approved 2016 library operating tax levy is $6,567,373. The owner of a $150,000 home in the city of Albany will pay about an extra $3.71 for the library next year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2016 library tax is $1.57 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“Albany Public Library provides vital resources and services to the residents of Albany. It is gratifying to know the citizens of Albany support our ongoing efforts to educate, entertain, and empower the community,” said Executive Director Scott Jarzombek. “The library trustees, supporters, and staff truly appreciate the ongoing support of Albany’s residents. Their continued support will allow us to maintain the buildings, services, and programs of our award-winning library system.”
The 2016 budget, which was approved by the library’s Board of Trustees in March, offers taxpayers a balanced and comprehensive plan that supports the staffing and operational costs required to maintain Albany’s neighborhood libraries. The budget also supports a wide range of ongoing library services including access to a large and diverse collection of books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, and e-books; public computer access and Wi-Fi at all locations; public programs including story times, computer classes, financial literacy workshops, music performances, book reviews, and lectures; and use of community meeting rooms.
Tonight, voters also elected two library trustees: Elissa Kane and Michael Neppl. The new trustees begin serving five-year terms in July
The place order, candidates, and vote totals were:
- Elissa Kane 1,715
- Michael Neppl 1,372
- Lesley Paparone 1,137
###
Albany Public Library (APL) educates, entertains, and empowers our community. APL operates seven award-winning branches serving the residents of Albany. Each month, about 75,000 people use the libraries to borrow materials, attend programs, access computers, and research information. More than 90,000 books, DVDs, and other materials are circulated each month. Visit APL online at www.albanypubliclibrary.org. And, look for the free “Albany Public Library Mobile” app for Apple and Android devices.
