The New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees has released the library’s proposed 2012-2013 budget, to be determined by New Rochelle voters on May 12, 2012.
Library Budget FY2012-13 Final Version
The proposed budget will see an increase of 2.2% in the tax levy for New Rochelle residents. This translates to an increase of $93,209 in the tax levy, or an annual increase of $7.31 per average homeowner. The increase is below the New York State property tax cap.
The board and library administration took unusual measures to limit the tax levy increase. Total Operating Costs have been reduced for the 2nd year in a row. The number of staff positions has been decreased from 42 in 2005 to 30 in 2012.
The local public support per capita of the New Rochelle Public Library remains the sixth lowest in Westchester County.
Ever diligent of the tax burden shouldered by New Rochelle taxpayers, the Library Board of Trustees has been steadfast in keeping tax increases to the bare minimum – requesting annual increments specifically tied to fixed increases imposed by contractual obligations, rising costs of utilities and declining assessments.
To keep pace with the on-going rise in use of the New Rochelle Public Library’s services and resources, the library continues to pursue all possible grant funding. The library also relies heavily on the generosity of its three fund-raising organizations: the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library, and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.