Jeff Ross announces bid for re-election to Rye Library Board
March 5 − To the Editor:
My name is Jeff Ross, and I am seeking a third term on the Rye Public Library Board of Trustees on Thursday, March 12.
Much of the conversation heading into the election has been about fiscal restraint and this year's town budget. The Library Trustees continue to be careful stewards of the resources entrusted to it by the taxpayers. The Library's operating budget for next year represents just a 3.2% increase over last year's budget
As is the case with many other departments' operating budgets, the vast majority of next year's increase is attributable to the cost of salaries and benefits. Specifically, 83% of the increase in the library budget ($20,000 of the $24,000) is to cover increased health insurance premiums.
While the trustees have no control over those premiums, we have been proactive in managing other expenses, including library employee salaries and wages. Five years ago, to both control costs and incentivize excellence, we implemented a “performance-based” compensation system which links raises not only to an employee's responsibilities within the library but the quality of the work they do in fulfilling them.
This year is not an isolated example of solid financial stewardship. Over the course of the last decade, the library budget has increased an average of 2.6% (less than $17,000) per year, the lowest of any town department. I hope to continue in my role maintaining this tradition of fiscal restraint.
This prudent oversight has not held back the Library's operations. The Rye Public Library and its staff are highly regarded and, as 2023's year-end statistics indicate, the library itself is remarkably well-utilized. It offers almost five times the state average in programming for children and young adults, with almost three times the attendance. Presentations made to other age groups number almost four times the state average and three times the participants.
The Library Director and current Board of Trustees have spent the past several years planning the Library Common, which will create additional space for Library programming called for in our strategic plan, as well as a gathering place for Town events. We have and will continue to manage carefully the financial resources entrusted to us by our supporters, both taxpayers and other generous donors who will make this project possible.
I'd very much like to return to the board this March and ask that the voters of Rye consider allowing me that opportunity.
Jeff Ross Rye