Last Chance: West Islip Library Budget and Trustee Vote

Today is the day for West Islip residents to head out to and vote on the proposed 2012-13 budget.

Residents will see a 2.24 percent increase in their tax levy, should they approve the proposed $3.5 million budget.

Voting will take place at the library from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The 2.24 tax-levy increase falls under the New York state tax cap, which through a complex algorithm comes in at 2.41 percent, said library Director Andrew Hamm.

The increase amounts to approximately $9.32 more per year per household. The cost for all library services is about $33.59 per month for the average West Islip homeowner, according to Hamm.

Here’s how the proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 breaks down:

• Salaries and benefits increase slightly from $2.6 million to $2.7 million in the proposed budget.
• Total library materials and programs increase from $323,500 to $336,500.
• Total library operations rise from $260,500 to $276,000.
• Fixed expenditures like insurance and legal fees see an increase from $215,500 to $217,400.
• Renovation Debt payment, including interest, increases from $493,225 to $494,288.
• Revenue stays flat at $68,000.

In addition to being able to cast their ballot on the proposed 2012-13 budget, residents will be able to vote for one trustee up for election for a five-year term.

Mary Alice Markham is a current Trustee of the library board, and is running uncontested for re-election.