Voters Approve Library Budget
Albany city residents voted May 17 to approve a 1.0 percent increase in the annual tax levy to support the Albany Public Library. The 2017 budget was approved by a final vote of 2,284 to 1,228.
The approved 2017 library operating tax levy is $6,652,455. The owner of a $150,000 home in the city of Albany will pay about an extra $2.30 for the library next year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2017 library tax is $1.54 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“We are very pleased that Albany residents voted to continue supporting Albany Public Library with their tax dollars,” said APL Executive Director Scott Jarzombek. “The budget approval allows us to keep providing the branch libraries, services, programs, and resources our users expect and trust. The Albany Public Library leaders, staff, and trustees truly appreciate the confidence and support our community has in its libraries.”
Tonight, voters also elected three library trustees: Karen Strong, Matthew Finn, and Brenda Robinson. Strong and Finn were elected to five-year terms, while Robinson will serve a one-year term.
The place order, candidates, and vote totals were:
1. Karen Strong 2,075
2. Matthew Finn 1,717
3. Brenda Robinson 1,615
4. Mitzi Lawrence 1,423
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.