Smithtown Library's Proposed $13.8M Budget Raises Taxes

Smithtown Library trustees have proposed a $13.8 million budget for the 2014 fiscal year that will increase the taxes of the average cardholder. 

The Smithtown Special Library District, covering the towns of Commack, Hauppauge, Kings Park, Nesconset, Smithtown and St. James, has put up a $13,841,683 budget for 2014 that goes before voters on Tuesday. The proposed budget is within New York State's 2 percent tax cap limit. 

The largest portion of the library's proposed 2014 budget at $10,218,895 will go towards covering employee salaries and benefits. The second largest expense of the library district is its debt service from the recent series of renovations and expansions, approved by voters, at $1,718,988. 

"We started the year with all four buildings being fully operational. The public has been excited with the renovated/expanded building projects as visits, reference inquiries, circulation and programming attendance are steadily increasing along with the demand for additional services," reads the library's October 2013 newsletter. 

If the proposed budget is approved, the average library district resident's taxes would increase by $6.74, totally $51.26 per $1,000 of assessed value. The average Smithtown homeowner whose house is assessed at $6,000 would pay $307.57 per year. 

Polls will be open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. All Town of Smithtown residents who are registered voters can cast their ballot at any of the library's four branches: Smithtown, Nesconset, Commack and Kings Park.