Forum planned May 21 on city library budget

The proposed Kingston Library budget, which goes to voters June 2, would raise the library tax levy by 2 percent.

A public forum will be held later this month on a proposed Kingston Library budget that would raise the amount in taxes to be collected by two percent, according to Director Margie Menard.

The proposed 2016 budget calls for raising $775,606 in taxes, which is $15,207 more than the current budget.

The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 21 in the community room at the 55 Franklin St. library.

The vote on the budget is scheduled for June 2 at the library, the sole polling place, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Additionally, voters will choose three trustees for the nine-member board of trustees.

The candidates running for those seats will be invited to the public forum to introduce themselves and discuss their candidacies, Menard said. The candidates on the ballot are incumbent Trustee David Rolfe and former Trustee Philippe Cosme.

Absentee ballots will be sent to shut-ins in the city of Kingston or can be requested by contacting the library directly at (845) 331-0507, Menard said.

Absentee ballots must be returned to the library by 5 p.m. June 2. All registered voters living in Kingston are eligible to vote.

The total proposed budget for 2016 is $844,237. This is $15,977, or two percent, more than the 2015 budget.

“In 2014, Kingston Library extended its operating hours to better serve the community, resulting in increased staffing and utility costs,” Menard said in a press release.

The largest part of the budget is for personnel costs.

For 2016, those costs are propsoed at $563,253 up from $501,599 in 2015.