2024 Budget Vote
Budget Fact Sheet
The Palmyra Community Library has announced that residents in the library district will vote on a proposed 9.38% increase to the library’s yearly tax funding. This would mean a 9.38 cent tax increase per $1000 in assessed property—for example, a property assessed at $100,000 would see a tax increase of approximately $9.38 per year (=78 cents per month).
Voters will also elect two Library Board Trustees for four-year terms commencing November 1, 2024, and expiring October 31, 2028.
The public referendum will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from Noon to 9:00 PM at the Palmyra Community Library, 402 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY.
The current library tax levy of $321,000 was approved by voters in 2019, and for the past 5 years annual increases in the library’s operating costs have been absorbed through careful planning and budgeting. To balance the 2024 budget, which maintains the same level of service to the community, the Library Trustees have agreed to make use of the library’s reserve funds, but this situation cannot be sustained on an ongoing basis.
If the proposed funding is approved, benefits to the community include:
*Maintaining current days and hours of service
*Accommodating continually changing community needs
*Purchasing new books and materials to meet local demand
*Keeping pace with the rapid expansion of information technology
*Securing current levels of computer/internet access, programming, meeting room availability, tutoring space, etc.
If the referendum is not approved, the Palmyra Community Library will need to make difficult decisions in regard to programs, services, materials, such as:
*Reductions in the purchase of new materials, such as: books, e-books, movies, etc.
*Cuts to programming, as necessary
*Reductions in hours of service, if necessary
Registered voters who reside within the Palmyra Community Library District are eligible to vote. The Library District encompasses the Town of Palmyra, excluding the area that falls within the Newark School District.
Absentee ballots will be available. Please contact Sheila Koeberle, Library Director, to obtain an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots will be available beginning Monday, September 9 and are due back at the library by Tuesday, October 8 before 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the library asking the community to decide in the 2024 vote?
The library Board of Trustees is asking the residents of the Palmyra Community Library District to consider an increase of $30,100 [9.38%] to the annual library tax funding. In addition, residents will be asked to elect 2 people to trustee positions.
What will it cost Palmyra Community Library District residents if the vote passes?
If the vote passes, this would mean a 9.38 cent tax increase per $1000 in assessed property value—for example, a property assessed at $100,000, would see a tax increase of approximately $9.38 per year (about 78 cents per month).
Why is the library asking for this increase?
The current tax levy of $321,000 was approved by voters in 2019, and for the past 5 years annual increases in the library’s operating expenses have been absorbed through careful planning and budgeting. The 2024 budget maintains the same level of service to the community while complying with mandated minimum wage increases, but this situation cannot be sustained on an ongoing basis.
How is the library funded?
The tax levy is 83% of the library’s funding. The remaining 17 % of funding [about $65,000] comes from copier fees, room rental fees, investment income, donations, NYS aid, and grants.
Will additional library tax requests be made in the future?
It is likely that budget increases will be requested in the future to accommodate wage increases and other costs as they continue to rise. Voters in the library district would have to approve any future increases.
What will happen if the proposition is approved?
If the proposed funding is approved, benefits to the community would include:
• Maintaining current days and hours of service
• Accommodating continually changing community needs
• Purchasing new books and materials to meet local demand
• Keeping pace with the rapid expansion of information technology
• Securing current levels of computer/internet access, programming, meeting room availability, tutoring space, etc.
What will happen if the proposition is not approved?
If the proposition is not approved, the Palmyra Community Library will need to make difficult decisions in regard to programs, services, materials, for example:
• Reductions in the purchase of new materials such as books, e-books, movies, etc.
• Cuts to programming, as necessary
• Reductions in hours of service, if necessary
When is the vote?
The vote will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from Noon to 9:00 PM at the Palmyra Community Library--402 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY
Who is eligible to vote?
Residents of the Palmyra Community Library District who are qualified to vote at a general election are eligible to vote. The Library district encompasses the town of Palmyra, excluding the portion of the town that lies within the Newark Central School District.
How is the library governed?
The Board of Trustees make the decisions for the library. They decide on the hours of operation, how the library spends the funding it receives, and other governing activities. The Board of Trustees consists of 7 trustees who are elected by the library district residents. Trustees do not receive compensation; they volunteer their time.
Who can become a trustee?
Any library district resident who is qualified to vote at a general election, and has resided in the library district at least one year prior to the election is eligible to become a trustee. All candidates for the Board of Trustees must be nominated by petition. Petitions may be obtained at the library beginning Monday, July 8, and must be returned, completed, to the library by Friday, September 6th.
Public Session Q and A
1. The Library Board is proposing the need for a tax increase. Have you asked the community?
In June of 2022, the Palmyra Community Library District was surveyed as part of the process used to develop the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. 252 people responded. Many requests were made for increases in programming, classes offered, times and days of service, size of the library collections, better infrastructure, etc. Fulfilling these requests can only be accomplished through sufficient, sustainable funding.
2. I rarely or never use the library. Why support the library with an additional tax increase?
Research has shown that communities with a well-funded library tend to have higher property values. An investment in your library enhances the value of your own property and is contributing to the overall desirability of your community. By supporting the library you are contributing to the overall well-being and education of your community.
3. I pay property taxes as a business. How does the library benefit me as a business owner?
A robust library means an educated and informed community. An educated and informed community is a growing community, which means greater demand for local businesses of all kinds. An excellent public library is an asset that brings in new residents to the community, visitors into downtown Palmyra, and tourists from other areas.
4. If libraries are that important, why don’t you go after the businesses for a special appeal--after all, they are hiring local people, and the library supports these same people--they should contribute as well.
Business owners with property in the Library District already pay taxes to the library. Their contributions are very much appreciated and there is a committed effort to purchase materials, and partner with local businesses for programs and community events.
5. With the advances/increases in Technology such as: eBooks, and digital media, aren’t libraries becoming obsolete?
No, your library is not becoming obsolete--in fact, in many ways it is busier than ever. Library patrons continue to use the library specifically to check out books, eBooks, and other materials. Patrons can use their library card to access materials from home, use the library computers, internet, and other services, or simply to use different spaces within the building. In addition, the library is a gathering space for the community.
6. What are your library’s goals? How do you know you have reached them?
The goals of the Palmyra Community Library are contained in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which is posted on our website**. As each goal is attained or completed, this is noted at the monthly Board Meetings. The minutes of the meetings are available on our website. ** www.palmyracommunitylibrary.org
7. Why does the library allow people outside of the library district to obtain library cards and use its services? Why should my tax dollars be used to support this outside use?
As a member of the OWWL Library System, Palmyra Community Library shares services and collections with 42 libraries in Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties. By participating in this shared consortium, every library, including the Palmyra Community Library, has free access to more materials, and vital services including the OWWL online catalog for books and more, the Libby digital collection, Kanopy streaming service, genealogy and language databases, Books by Mail and free holds on materials from other libraries.
Use of Palmyra Community Library materials by cardholders outside of the service areas of any OWWL Library System library represents a tiny fraction of the Library’s total circulation, and does not hinder access to library programs and computers for local residents. If the Palmyra Community Library did not allow outside residents to obtain cards, they would simply gain access to Palmyra materials by registering at a neighboring library.
8. Why is there a library tax listed on my school tax bill that comes around Labor Day each year?
This tax levy goes to the Macedon Public Library only. All taxable properties within the Palmyra-Macedon School District are subject to this levy, including those that lie within the village and town of Palmyra.
This tax has nothing to do with the Palmyra Community Library--the Palmyra Community Library does NOT receive any of this money.
9. How can someone learn more about this vote and the increase proposed?
Information is available on the library website: www.palmyracommunitylibrary.org
People may refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions”, and “Quick Facts” documents prepared for the public by the Board of Trustees. In addition, there will be two public, informational sessions held at the library. The first will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 1:00 pm, and the second will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm
10. Has the Board of Trustees considered increasing taxes by smaller percentages each year, instead of waiting to ask for a 9.38% increase?
The current tax levy of $321,000 was approved by voters in 2019. In the last 5 years, through careful management of resources, the library has been able to absorb the rising costs of providing service to the library district, and the Board of Trustees did not deem it necessary to request any increases from the taxpayers. We are now at a point where the level of service requested by the community cannot be sustainably maintained without an increase in funding.
11. How is my library tax calculated? How much am I paying in library taxes? How much are you asking for?
The library tax for the Palmyra Community Library District is based on the current tax levy amount of $321,000 that voters approved in 2019. Your tax is calculated based on the following formula: the assessed amount of your property multiplied by the library tax rate = the amount you pay for the library tax. The library tax rate is determined by Wayne County on an annual basis. This rate can change slightly from year to year.
The Palmyra Community Library Board of Trustees is proposing an increase of $30,100 to the current tax levy amount. The current levy of $321,000 would increase to $351,100 [a 9.39% increase]. If voters approve the proposal, the library taxes you pay would be based on the $351,100 amount. For example, a property assessed at $100,000 would see an increase of approximately $9.38 per year about $0.78 per month.
12. Why are you asking for this specific amount?
The $30,100 tax levy increase amount being proposed is based on the anticipated 2025 budget payroll increase of $30,100. Payroll costs for the last 5 years have been rising due to increases in the minimum wage, and what we must pay to find and retain employees in today’s highly competitive workforce market.
13. How does the Palmyra Community Library tax levy compare to the tax levies of other libraries in the Pioneer Library System? What is their cost per capita?
14. a. How are members of the Library Board of Trustees elected?
Voters of the library district elect residents of the library district to 4-year terms as trustees.
b. Who may vote?
“Every voter ...qualified to vote at a general election and residing within the area of the Library district shall be qualified to vote at an election.” ** As stated in the Library’s enabling legislation.
c. Who may run for a trustee position?
“Qualified voters of the district who have been residents of the public library district for at least one year prior to the election shall be eligible for election to the board of trustees.” ** As stated in the Library’s enabling legislation
A separate petition is required to nominate each candidate for a vacancy on the board of trustees. Each petition must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the Library district. In order to obtain a petition, please contact the library at 315-597-5276.
15. Besides the tax levy, where does the library receive funding?
While the tax levy is by far the majority of funding, the Palmyra Community Library does receive about $63,000 per year from other sources which include: grants, copier fees, investments, interest income, and memorial donations. In addition, our library has been fortunate to receive significant funding in recent years from New York State in the form of public library construction grants. These grants have enabled the library to renovate, update, and modernize the library premises, and provide better parking, and accessibility into and within the library building and spaces.
16. Why can’t you just charge a fee to anyone who uses the Library?
New York State Education Law does not allow the Library to charge for its core services. Patrons are charged for making photocopies and sending faxes. A free public library is a fundamental cornerstone of American democracy. Many patrons would not be able to afford the most modest of fees.
17. Why does the Library maintain reserve funds?
Capital Funds are for capital fixed assets that help maintain or improve current assets (which include our land/buildings) to include new construction and or expansion.
Recent uses of this fund along with matching funds for NYS Construction Fund which have funded:
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Back parking lot repair and pavement
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Security Camera installation
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Heating and AC installation
Building Reserve Funds are for future costs of financial obligations, especially those arising unexpectedly. This fund may also be used to meet the cash flow requirements of the library from January until the receipt of the tax levy (early March).
Recent uses of this fund include:
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Interior and exterior painting
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Painting of the children’s room
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Roof repair, waterproofing, and gutter repair
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Rear pedestrian bridge repair
Memorial Funds are set-up to receive bequests and memorial donations. Memorial funds are used as directed by the donor or at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Recent uses of this fund include:
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Memorial Garden landscaping
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Installation of new signage
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Book and computer purchases
Palmyra Community Library Fund is managed by Rochester Area Community Foundation. Income from this fund is set up to provide support for the general activities of the library. Grants from this fund are put into the Capital or Building Reserve Fund
18. Why not reduce your expenses instead of increasing your income? Why doesn’t the Board “tighten its belt”, laying off people, if necessary, to reduce expenses?
The Board of Trustees is focused on the current and future needs of the Palmyra Community Library District residents.
The community survey data collected as part of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan revealed that this community is asking for an expansion of the current level of service in order to meet the needs of district residents. Requests for expansion include enlarging the book, eBook, movie, and DVD collections; adding more computers; adding more classes, weekend activities, evening activities, more adult programs, more workshops, increased hours of service, better infrastructure, etc. None of this could be accomplished and sustained, if expenses were to be reduced.
19. Why does the library have so many staff members? How do your staff wages and salaries compare with other libraries in the area?
As of 2024, staff wages were increased to be on a par with the other libraries in our area. Previous to this year, wages were significantly below what other libraries were paying, and we were at risk of losing staff. The Palmyra Community Library has one salaried position--the Library Director-- all other positions are part-time. Hours of service must be staffed according to regulations required by the State of New York, and adult, teen, and children’s programming must be adequately staffed to be successful.
20. If the vote fails, instead of making drastic cuts, why not recruit volunteers to help offset the reductions?
While our Library relies on volunteers for many things throughout the year, it is a violation of NYS Civil Service to ask a volunteer to do work that is also done by a paid position. Furthermore, the Library cannot ask employees to volunteer to do work at the library.
21. Is the Library duplicating services that other resources provide?
The Library always endeavors to partner with other organizations and agencies to reduce overlap, duplication of services, or to provide needed services in the community. Area Non-Profit organizations are operating with limited resources, so they are eager to collaborate with partners to meet the needs of their clientele.
The Palmyra Community Library’s location, which is on the RTS bus route, allows us to serve residents who may not have easy access to services at other area locations. Services provided by the Palmyra Community Library include: the free summer lunch program for children, computer and internet access for employment searches, assistance with technology; free tutoring space for Pal-Mac students and adult High School Equivalency students; babysitting course, home alone course, defensive driving, - classes; fitness classes, sewing classes, and art classes for children and adults; our partnership with Palmyra King’s Daughters to maintain the medical equipment loan closet housed on the library premises, our partnership with Canaltown Days to host the annual art exhibit; our partnership with Head Start and Palmyra-Macedon School District to introduce early literacy skills, the Friends of the Library book review luncheons, and more.