Voters Reject Elwood Library Budget; Northport's Approved

Updated, Wednesday, April 6, 9 a.m.: The Northport library's proposed 2011-12 budget was approved by an almost 5 to 1 margin Tuesday night. Elwood's budget was defeated, however, by nine votes.

Northport-East Northport Public Library's $9.1 million budget passed by a vote of 598 to 121 Tuesday. That reflects a 1.02% increase in the amount to be raised by taxes, going from $8,744,000 to $8,939,300.

The estimated tax-rate increase is $0.24 per $100 of assessed valuation. That translates to a  The tax rate will increase from $10.77 per $100 in assessed value to $11.01, a 2.26 percent increase. A home assessed at $4,000 would see an increase of $9.60 from last year's budget.

Margaret Hartough received 466 votes to defeat Robert Runyan who received 179 to become a member of the library board. She will take the place of longtime Trustee Ruth McKay, who is stepping down in July.

Library Director Eileen Minogue said that she was thrilled that the budget vote was approved by such a resounding majority. "In today's economy,  that's a very strong demonstration of what the community believes the library can do."

She said that the library instituted an exit opinion poll this year and the comments were "heartwarming" and "phenomenal."

Elwood's $1.6 million budget was was defeated by nine votes, with 176 people voting yes and 185 voting no. The tax rate would have increased from $7.73 per $100 in assessed value to $8.11, a 4.9-percent increase. A home assessed at $4,000 would pay $324.40, an increase of $15 from last year's budget.

Incumbent Trustee Randy Koster, running unopposed, was re-elected to a five year term with 224 votes.

In the Northport children's vote for favorite book character, Puss ' n Boots was the victor, followed by Rapunzel.

Updated, Tuesday, April 5, 11 p.m.: Elwood's budget was defeated. Northport's was approved. More tomorrow.

Original article: Voters in the and public library systems will cast ballots todays to pick trustees and decide the fate of their budgets.

Voters will choose one candidate for a five-year term on the board of trustees at the and will decide on the proposed 2011-12 budget in voting at the library until 9 p.m. tonight.

Two candidates are running for one five-year term on the library's board of trustees: Bob Runyan and Margaret Hartough. Longtime trustee Ruth McKay is stepping down, leaving the open seat. See a candidate's profile of Runyan attached to this article. 

Northport's proposed $$9.1 million budget carries a 1.02% increase in the amount to be raised by taxes,  going from $8,744,000 to $8,939,300. A copy of the proposed operating budget is attached.  

Elwood's proposed $1.5 million budget carries a 4.9% increase in the amount to be raised by taxes,  going from $1,357,225.47 to $1,423,729.  A copy of the budget is attached to this article. 

Incumbent Randy Koster is running unopposed for the open seat on the board.