Campaign for New Library Funding begins

Steve MacNish, who for the third time is heading a campaign to increase funding of the Pleasant Valley Free Library through a vote by the citizens of Pleasant Valley, went before the Pleasant Valley Town Board this evening (March 3) to explain our plans to the Town Trustees.  This process, known as a Chapter 414 vote after the section of New York State law that instituted it, requires that a resolution asking for an increase in Town funding be signed by 10% of the voters (based on the number voting for governor most recently).  When signed and duly recording by the Town Clerk, the resolution is put before the voters.  If a majority approves, the Town adjusts its annual tax bill to provide the Library with the new level of funding.  Under this procedure, once a level is established, it can only be changed by repeating the same process. Our Library has used the Chapter 414 mechanism twice in the past ten years, getting a higher percentage of voter approval the second time than the first--winning both votes substantially. We ask for a medium amount for the period covered--in the first year or two the Town supplies slightly more money than we need to run the Library (along with the other Library funding from the State, County, Fines, and Donations). The excess is banked and then spent several years later as inflation catches up with the amount.  When that money is spent, the Library may be forced to ask the voters to support a higher level of taxation or else it will have to reduce services. Steve was backed up in his presentation by Library Trustees Bruce Donegan and Dave Kruger and Library Director Daniela Pulice.  Below is a slightly edited report from Steve on the presentation to the Town Board. Made it without any loss of limbs or bite marks.  Gave a short brief similar to the one I gave our Board last month.  Explained the $360K number that Daniela had determined is our target.  This translates to a $26 increase per household per year.  Cited LaGrange Library's $695K request, with the same circulation as our Library, three times the employees, and fewer hours of operation.  Explained where costs were going up and what reduced state and county funding impact us.  Answered questions with help from Daniela, Dave, and Bruce.  Town Trustee Chris Hart asked the toughest question - what do we lose if the referendum is voted down?  I indicated that fewer books, DVDs and other circulating items could be purchased, fewer hours open, charges for certain services now provided without charge.