Proposed library budget up for vote Sept. 6

Woodstock Library district residents will vote Sept. 6 on a $641,744 proposed 2019 budget carrying a 3.69 percent increase of $22,826.

Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. in the library at 5 Library Lane.

Under the proposed spending plan, there would be a $585,544 property tax levy carrying a 1.5 percent increase of $8,676.

“The budget is intended to provide more service to the community,” library Director Jessica Kerr said. “We’re going to try and open on Mondays. People have been wanting that for quite awhile, (but) I haven’t been able to get the funding.”

Other changes in the budget include:

• Salaries at $276,794 for a 9.44 percent increase of $23,876.

• Employee benefits at $126,750 for a 15.61 percent decrease of $23,450.

• Materials at $49,600 for a 2.27 percent increase of $1,100.

• Gifts and donations at $34,000 for a 78.95 percent increase of $15,000.

• Juvenile programs are proposed to be $22,000 for a 120 percent increase of $12,000.

• Professional fees at $24,000 for a 26.32 percent increase of $5,000.

• Building contracts at $19,000 for a 5.56 percent increase of $1,000.

• Building repairs at $19,000 for a 4.11 percent increase of $750.

• Fuel and utilities at $18,000 for a 5.88 percent increase of $1,000.

• Insurance at $10,000 for a 16.67 percent decrease of $2,000.

Also on the ballot will be two five-year library board seats being sought by incumbent Elaine Hammond,