In the May 9, 2013 issue of Westchester Rising.com
The proposed New Rochelle Public Library budget beginning July l, 2013 totals $4.6 million amounting to an increased tax levy of 3.9%. Greg Varian,
President of the Trustees of the Library, told the New Rochelle Citizens Reform Club and the Confederation of Neighborhood Associations on April 25 that there were increased costs for employees. But the biggest problem for taxpayers is that the assessment rolls have dropped $4 million.
Thomas Geoffino, Director of the Public Library, said the increase in the debt was due to health care costs for employees and bonded indebtedness. Last year this public library was third highest in circulation in Westchester, and the second busiest with an extraordinary attendance at their public programs. It is open every day. When the government grant for job development ran out, they stepped up and continued the program.
Library Trustee Hanna Just-Michael when asked what percent of the residents used the library said she did not know but added, over 34,000 residents have library cards. Museum passes are also available. During Hurricane Sandy the library stayed open and was widely used as a community center. FEMA reimbursement is forthcoming for damages to the roof. When the question about the number of books the library possesses was asked, particularly non fiction, the answer given was there are 38 public libraries from which patrons can request books.
School Board member David Lacher began his presentation by saying the school board did not exceed the recommended state tax cap. The proposed budget will allow the School Board to keep the staff they have, providing no promised aid is reduced. He said the tax base has declined one-third since the l990’s. Not only do churches and colleges take property off the tax rolls, commercial properties have filed certioraris which reduced the tax rolls. This year the School Board must pay $5 million in certioraris.
Deirdre Polow, Vice President of the School Board, brought up the state mandated pension costs. The state is changing the standards for students. The
mandates of the Common Core curriculum will cause student achievement scores to drop. Students need instructional interventions, especially in high school. This year the schools have done very well in many areas including college admissions and not just football. The School Board is maintaining a firm policy on class size.
In the question and answer period, Polow explained that there are many diverse programs at New Rochelle High School including vocational education programs through BOCES. When asked about the number of school children that are projected from new developments, especially the proposed Echo Bay development, Lacher said this project will be different because the school taxes will have to be paid.
Two school board candidates then presented their views. Pamela Davis is a fifth grade teacher in Elmsford who has also taught at the College of New Rochelle. Before recent budget cuts she was a computer teacher. She has worked with Monroe College students and appreciates the “cutting edge” program with Don Coqui.
Robert Cox, the next candidate, centered his presentation on the financial crisis, school safety, and Echo Bay’s impact on taxes. He said a lot of students who had attended Isaac E. Young Middle School were not graduating high school. He felt these students need “tender loving care.” He is focusing his candidacy on financial issues and security, especially at Isaac E. Young School.
Quentin Jacobs and Bo Kemp are running for re-election as Library Trustees.
Voting on these budgets and candidates will take place on May 21, 2013. Absentee ballot applications must be received by May 14, 2013. A Public Hearing on the School budget will be held on May 7, 2013 in the New Rochelle High School Library, 26 Clove Road at 7:30 p.m.