Board Approves Budget with No Tax Increase; Trustee Election Postponed
Trustee Election Postponed
NYS Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.13 postponing library board, school board, and village elections until at least June 1, 2020. We don’t yet know when the APL trustee election will be held, or if the due date for petitions will change. Read the candidate information packet with an updated cover sheet. (Updated March 30, 2020)
Board Approves 2020-2021 Budget with No Tax Increase
The Albany Public Library Board of Trustees has approved a 2020-2021 budget with no tax levy increase.
The library recently changed its fiscal year to run from July 1 through June 30, and the newly approved budget covers July 1, 2020, through June 20, 2021.
The 2020-2021 library operations budget is $7,153,022—the same amount as the current spending plan.
Because the budget does not raise the tax levy, the library is not required to put it out for a public vote. Approval by the library’s trustees, which was given unanimously at its March 10 meeting, is all that is required for the 2020-2021 spending plan to become official.
“The library trustees are committed to providing library services and using taxpayer money efficiently, so we are pleased to approve a budget with no tax increase for the second year in a row,” said Karen Strong, president of the APL Board of Trustees. “This spending plan will allow us to continue to meet community needs, provide a community learning platform, cultivate leadership, and ensure long-term sustainability.”
“Albany Public Library’s administration and board have worked hard to make the most out of our finances so we can continue to operate seven neighborhood branches for the people of Albany,” said Scott C. Jarzombek, executive director of APL. “Implementing the fiscal year change allows us to prepare more accurate budgets and present more transparent accounting, which is reflected in this year’s spending plan with no tax levy increase.”
While there is no budget vote this year, there is a library trustee election on May 19 with two seats available, both of which carry full five-year terms. Nominating petitions and information for potential candidates can be found on our website. Nominations are due to the Clerk of the City School District of Albany by Wednesday, April 29.
Provided that the library is hosting public meetings again at that time (if the coronavirus outbreak has lessened), two branches will hold meet-the-candidate forums on:
• May 4 (Mon) at 6:00 pm | Washington Ave. Branch
• May 7 (Thurs) at 6:00 pm | Pine Hills Branch
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.