Bryant Library officials on Tuesday introduced and unanimously adopted a $4.9 million budget for the 2014 fiscal year that includes a 2.2 percent increase in the tax levy that exceeds the state-mandated tax cap.
In a presentation to the board of trustees, library Treasurer Irving Chernofsky said increases to the salaries, retirement contributions and health and dental insurance of the library’s employees accounted for the bulk of the $32,961 rise in spending.
“As many of you are aware, the state of New York has instituted a tax cap,” he read in a prepared statement to the board. “Due in part to the expenses highlighted earlier, the trustees of the Bryant Library have voted to override the tax cap.”
The library plans to collect $4,784,070 in taxes. Trustees have projected for $144,100 in outside revenues, with $13,200 coming from library system grants and state aid.
Chernofsky said the creation of a five-year capital plan – and an $88,000 expenditure toward the library’s capital fund – also contributed to the spending increase.
He said that with the library’s main building having been built in the 1920s, and the accompanying Valentine House erected in the early 19th century, trustees have begun to identify which aspects of Bryant’s facilities are in need of replacement.
“We are faced with the continuing challenge of repairing and maintaining a clean, healthy and safe building, which in turn will create a positive environment for both our patrons and our staff,” he said.
In the last year, the library has replaced heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and boilers, Chernofsky said.
Two new backup generator systems, to maintain power in the event of extreme weather conditions in the future, have been planned for installation in the next year, he added.
