Voters OK Library Budgets

Voters approved the proposed 2011-12 budgets in both the Huntington and South Huntington library districts Tuesday night, and also re-elected incumbent trustees on both boards.

Huntington Public Library’s  $8.67 million budget passed by a vote of 539-308 Tuesday.

Residents will see a tax rate increase of 71 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The largest budget share, $6,078,425, is slotted for salaries and benefits; $1,083,750 is to library services; $596,237 to library operations; $650,257 to maintenance; and $256,500 to insurance and rent.

Huntington voters also re-elected trustee Charles Rosner to a 5-year term on the board with 457 votes. Challenger Andy Jarmolowski received 377 votes.

Tuesday’s vote was double the usual turnout. “It was the largest non-bond vote turnout in 15 years,” said Michael Bogin, assistant director, after the polls closed.

“Today we witnessed democracy in action and we’re pleased that so many people felt it was worth their time to come out and participate in the process,” said Debra Englehardt, director. “We look forward to maintaining the standards of excellence in programs and services for this community in the coming year.”

Charles Rosner said he was gratified to be re-elected as a trustee for a 5-year term after running a one-man campaign with the help of some friends and email. He plans to continue working to control costs, and to make sure the library has enough funds to cover capital improvements.

“The library is a cultural gem, it’s a wonderful place. I want to see it run effectively and efficiently and that the staff is satisfied," Rosner said."My hope is we can pull together and end poor relations between the board and the staff.”

Jarmolowski did not return an email seeking comment on the election outcome.

In the South Huntington library district, voters approved a $5.6 million budget by a vote of 417-131. The budget calls for a 2.7% increase, with a 42 cent tax rate increase per $100 of assessed valuation. The library tax for the average homeowner with property assessed at $3,300 is estimated at $410, an increase of $13.78 over 2010.

"Library staff work hard every day to earn the respect and support of our community," said Joe Latini, director. "We interpret the result of the vote as an approval rating, so the outcome is very gratifying."

Incumbent trustee Stuart Horowitz received 293 votes while challenger Steve Haddock received 238 votes.

 The library also had people vote for a favorite birthday cake flavor. Chocolate won with 78 votes; ice cream, 63 votes; vanilla, 36 votes; strawberry shortcake, 21 votes; and carrot, 7 votes.