Voters in the Seymour Public Library District will decide Oct. 21 whether to approve a $1,209,783 operating budget for 2027. The proposal would raise $1,150,183 through property taxes, up $54,770, or 5%, from the current levy.
The total budget would increase $70,070 from 2026. Payroll and related expenses account for most of that change, rising $62,872 to $990,272. The proposed line for collections, programs and services falls from $67,073 to $54,160; the budget says that work would also be supplemented by $15,000 in donor funds and donations.
The library’s overview of its current services lists books, digital media, technology help, research resources and more than 400 programs offered so far in 2026. Recent additions include a collection designed for older adults and people with dementia, expanded reading materials for young children and new programs with community partners. The documents do not assign the proposed budget increase to individual programs.
The property tax is divided among municipalities in the district and converted into a rate based on assessed property values. Rates vary by municipality, so the proposed levy increase does not establish the change for any individual tax bill.
Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the library, 176-178 Genesee St. in Auburn. Registered voters in Auburn and Owasco, and in the portions of Fleming and Sennett within the Auburn Enlarged City School District, may vote on the budget.
Auburn voters will also elect one library trustee to a four-year term. Clyde Howard is the only candidate listed on the ballot.
Absentee ballot applications must reach the library by 5 p.m. Oct. 14 for ballots requested by mail, or by 5 p.m. Oct. 20 for ballots picked up at the library. Completed ballots must be returned by 5 p.m. on election day.
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