Canandaigua voters will decide whether Wood Library receives a funding increase in a vote on May 17.
The proposed upgrades include technology improvements to enable hybrid meetings. The proposal stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Executive Director Jenny Goodemote. The vote will be held on Tuesday, May 17 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The library proposition- Proposition No. 3- will be on the same ballot as the Canandaigua School District budget.
Cost of proposed upgrades
Wood Library is asking voters to increase funding by $73,250 over the base amount approved in 2021. The increase would add $2.51 to October’s total tax bill for properties assessed at $150,000 and increase the library property tax rate by 1.7 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.
Community-based funding currently makes up 70% of Wood Library’s total budget. If the proposition is approved, it would bring that number close to 72% of the total operating budget. The library’s projected budget for 2023 is $1,173,000.
Related: Proposed Canandaigua school budget increases spending by 4.9%
Community impact
In addition to technology upgrades, the proposed increase would address cost-of-living adjustments and minimum wage increases required by the state.
“People engage with the library in new ways all the time,” said Library Trustee and Board President Jill Werth in a prepared statement, according to Democrat & Chronicle. “There is a demand for more digital services and diverse materials. We are constantly refreshing and growing our physical and digital collections to build connections and cultivate understanding between readers. Library spaces are changing too as we accommodate large and small group discussion, study, experiential learning, and play.”
Related: Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan announces $100,000 in grant funding for local libraries
Where to vote
New York State education law allows libraries to appeal to school district voters for changes to the tax levy and community-based funding, hence why the library proposition is on the same ballot as the school district budget.
City and town of Canandaigua residents voting in districts 1, 2 and 3 and the towns of East Bloomfield, Farmington, Gorham and Hopewell can vote at the Canandaigua Primary-Elementary School’s gymnasium 143 North Pearl Street.
Town of Canandaigua residents in voting districts 4, 5, 6 and 7 as well as the towns of Bristol and South Bristol can vote at Cheshire Fire Hall, located at 4285 State Rte 21 in Canandaigua.
Related: OWWL librarian honored as one of best in state by NY State Senate
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