Westhampton Free Library Releases Budget

The rary has released a 2012/2013 budget that includes a .97 percent tax levy.

The budget, says , the library's director, was crafted with the taxpayer in mind.

"I think it is a good budget," she said. "We worked hard on it and it comes under the two percent tax cap."

Zubiller says increases in the budget account for more services, including books and periodicals.

In addition, Zubiller says salary lines have increased because the library has decided to increase its operating hours in an effort to serve its patrons.

Zubiller also announced last month that the library will provide additional adult education classes to help out the Westhampton Beach School District, which cut its from it's budget in order to defray costs from its budget, which breaches the state tax cap by .89 percent.

The budget, which carries with it a total proposed expenditure of $2,562,619 and revenues of $506,600 is looking to raise $2,056,019 through taxes.

According to Zubiller, .97 percent tax increase will equate to an increase of $6.96 per year for a house assessed at $500,000.  Total library taxes for the year would be $226.91.

Taxpayers can vote on the budget on May 15.  An informational flyer related to the budget is attached to this article.

2011 Library Facts

• At least one library card was renewed or issued every day 

• A total of 4,067 program were held with 23, 770 people attending — an increase of 38 percent attendance over 2010.

• There was a 51.1 percent increase in circulation since 2003

• There were a total of 180,942 visits by patrons the the library — an 18 percent increase in visits since 2010.