414 Budget Vote
The purpose of this page is to provide information to the community of New Paltz regarding the Elting Memorial Library’s upcoming VOTE on November 5, 2024. Any questions, concerns, or comments can be directed to Richard Heyl de Ortiz, President of the Board of Trustees.
WHAT & WHEN?
Under Chapter 414 of NYS Education Law 259, the Elting Memorial Library will hold a vote this Fall. On Tuesday, November 5, 2024 there will be a proposition on the ballot for the general election. This proposition will ask the following:
“SHALL THE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE TOWN OF NEW PALTZ FOR THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE ELTING MEMORIAL LIBRARY BE INCREASED BY FORTY-EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS ($48,000) TO THE SUM OF SEVEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($769,000) ANNUALLY?”
Elting's referendum question is one of four on this year's ballot. Referendum questions are on the back of the ballot. Our referendum question is the fourth (or last) one listed.
WHY?
Libraries need sustainable funding! Libraries provide essential services that people count on. Securing adequate, stable funding for a library is critical.
Most public libraries secure funding through an annual public budget vote. In the past, the Elting Library has not held an annual public budget vote. As a result the library needed to fundraise more and more each year just to sustain our basic resources and services.
The cost of living, inflation, NYS required minimum wage increases, and increase in library use have all added to our financial challenges.
WHERE & HOW?
The library’s proposition will be on the General Election ballot on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Voting will take place at your regular polling facility.
Helpful Links:
“The public library is where place and possibility meet.”
Important Vote FAQ
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Libraries are FREE to use, but not free to operate. The cost of ebooks and digital materials is higher for libraries than for regular customers.
The rising cost of medical insurance and New York State’s mandated minimum wage increases have greatly impacted our operating budget.
Increased use of the library requires more staff. The library currently needs:
More staff hours to keep up with increased library use
Funds to offset the cost of key deferred maintenance on our historic building.
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The library is funded through a variety of resources. The main source of funding comes from the taxpayers of New Paltz. The remainder of the operating fund is earned through fundraising, grants, and gifts.
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We did go out for a vote in 2023. Elting has often waited several years between votes. A recent change in state law makes it more feasible for libraries such as Elting to go out for a vote annually. This allows us to better budget and minimize requesting significant increases in taxpayer funding.
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The library employs between 14 and 16 individuals who provide direct services to the public. Volunteers provide assistance with a variety of tasks.
Learn more about the Board of Trustees. -
Not at all! Libraries are busier than ever. Elting is no exception. The internet allows us to offer more services in a wide variety of formats. Many of our resources are accessible from your home computer, making using the library easier than ever before.
Check out our resources. -
With 4,971 households (according to the U.S. Census for 2021), our $48,000 increase means a $9.66 tax increase per household.
Basically, the increase amounts to 80 cents a month. -
Libraries are not just for those who love books! Our library offers streaming movies, downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, digital magazines, and more. In 2022, the library became a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility.
That’s not all! We have just begun to create a Library of Things. Check out a leaf blower or a rake. Maybe borrow the sewing machine and learn a new skill.
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Elting Library will be able to continue to provide our residents with quality services. Our digital collection is growing rapidly, and we offer tons of educational programs and helpful services.
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Unfortunately, the increasing costs of materials, wages, and library usage would make it difficult to continue to provide the same level of service.
While the library may be able to fundraise for some of the difference, it would be hard to sustain that year over year. The Board would have to make hard decisions regarding what areas of services to cut in the result of a failed vote.
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The money goes back to our community in the form of services and resources. Our staff is probably our biggest resource. They are the ones who teach users how to connect with what they need.
View our 2023 Annual Budget to learn more.
We are even ranked high on Charity Navigator! Check us out.
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The vote will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. You can vote in your normal polling facility.
For additional information contact the Ulster Board of Elections.
Here are some commonly asked questions about your library’s 414 vote, which is coming up on November 5, 2024.