VOTERS APPROVE ALBANY PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET

Albany city residents voted May 18 to approve a 4.9 percent increase in the annual tax levy to support the Albany Public Library. The budget was approved by a final vote of 2,296 to 1,715.

The approved 2011 library tax levy is $7,037,277, which will cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $5.71 more than the current year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2011 library tax is $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed value.

"The Albany Public Library provides an essential community service for the residents of this city. In today's economic climate, when so many people are struggling, it is gratifying to know the citizens of Albany support our efforts to educate, entertain, and empower the community," said Executive Director Carol Nersinger. "The library board and staff truly appreciate the ongoing support of Albany's residents. Their 'yes' votes will allow us to continue to build the infrastructure necessary to support our city's libraries, including the five new neighborhood branches that opened between November 2009 and June 2010."

The 2011 budget, which was approved by the library's Board of Trustees in March, offers taxpayers a balanced and comprehensive plan that supports the staffing and operational cost increases required to operate a much larger library system that includes three renovated and two new branches. The budget also supports a wide range of ongoing library services including access to a large and diverse collection of books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, and electronic materials; public computer access and Wi-Fi at all locations; public programs including story times, computer classes, financial literacy workshops, music performances, book reviews, and lectures; and use of community meeting rooms.

Voters also elected two library trustees: Mary (Mimi) Mounteer and Esther Patterson. Mounteer and Patterson, both of whom were running for re-election, will begin serving five-year terms in July.

The place order, candidates, and vote totals were:
1. Mary (Mimi) Mounteer -- 1,550
2. Esther Patterson --1,371
3. Roberta Sims --1,057
4. Robert Chaumont --863
5. Jose Lopez --730

Thanks to everyone who supports Albany Public Library by voting, visiting the branches, borrowing materials, using computers, and attending programs!
The library is a wonderful resource for the Albany community and we're thrilled to be able to continue to provide great services to everyone.