Politics & Government

Updated: Elwood Library's Lower Budget Approved by Voters

The original proposed budget failed by nine votes in April.

Elwood librar’s revised proposed budget was approved, 542 yes votes to 366 no votes, according to Director Michael Squillante.

Original article: The will put a revised budget before residents of the library district Tuesday.

Polls will be open from 10a.m. to 9p.m. at the library.

The new budget includes the amount of $1,403,423.51 to be raised by taxation. This budget amount will result in an estimated 3.4% increase in the tax rate,

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Library Director Michael Squillante said that even though the original budget was defeated by only nine votes, the library's board of trustees felt it was its duty to put a significantly lower budget proposition before the community the second time around.

The board lowered the budget by freezing wages and eliminating some Sunday openings.

“We hope the inconvenience of closing the library on a limited number of Sundays doesn’t keep our patrons from continuing to use our services regularly,” Squillante said.

The Elwood Public Library, created in 2003, first opened to the public in a storefront location on Jericho Turnpike in Elwood.

It moved to its present location at the corner of Elwood Road and Jericho Turnpike in March of 2008, and has seen a steady increase in use over the past eight years.

“Even though we’re still growing, our residents can get the best of what Suffolk County’s libraries offer with their Elwood Library card, from traditional print books to new downloadable books and audio books. Along with our library programs for Elwood residents of all ages, I can honestly say that there is something in the library for everyone,” said Library Board President Randy Koster.

Find out what's happening in Northportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Squillante and Koster both said that all community residents are encouraged to vote May 10. More information about the revised budget is available on the Library’s website at www.elwoodlibrary.org


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here