Chapter 414
LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE
The purpose of this page is to provide information to the community regarding Woodbury Public Library’s upcoming LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE on November 3, 2026.
Proposed 2027 Budget
Revenues
Tax Levy: $901,194
Grants, gifts & donations: $8,200
Fees (includes faxes, printing, copying): $3,250
Interest: $30,000
Total revenue: $942,644
Expenses
Professional staff salaries & benefits: $737,300
Library materials & programming: $90,100
Buildings operations and maintenance: $43,844
Library operations and fees: $13,200
RCLS Systems Services: $58,200
Total Budget: $942,644
2027 Budget increase from 2026 is 4.6%
2026 Budget
Revenues
Tax Levy: $772,344
Grants, gifts & donations: $8,200
Fees (includes faxes, printing, copying): $2,650
Interest: $38,000
Total income: $821,194
Transfer from appropriated fund balance: $80,000
Total revenue: $901,194
Expenses
Professional staff salaries & benefits: $691,794
Library materials & programming: $95,100
Buildings operations and maintenance: $45,500
Library operations and fees: $13,100
RCLS Systems Services: $55,700
Total Budget: $901,194
In accordance with the Library’s Public Inquiry Procedure, we do not respond to questions or comments posted on social media. Woodbury Public Library does not guarantee the accuracy of, nor is it responsible for, information that is shared secondhand, misinterpreted, or otherwise circulated within the community. Any questions should be directed to Library Director Kathleen Mele at kmele@rcls.org, who will respond in writing.
Click here to view a list of questions submitted by the public, along with the library’s responses.
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOW much will it cost?
| WPL Proposed Tax Levy FY2027 | $901,194 |
| Town Approved Tax Levy FY2026 | $772,344 |
| Difference | $128,850 |
WHAT is the library budget vote?
It is a public vote that allows the residents to decide how their library is funded each year.
There will be a proposition on the back of the ballot for this year’s General Election on November 3, 2026. This proposition will ask the following YES or NO question:
WHEN and WHERE do I vote?
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Voting will be held at your normal polling facility.
- Find your polling location: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov
WHY hold a vote?
Libraries are FREE to use, but NOT free to operate. Costs continue to rise for things like Summer Reading, eBooks and facility support costs.
A successful vote establishes secure and sustainable funding which cannot be cut. This protects the Library’s ability to provide resources and programming all year, for all ages and all abilities.
WHO needs libraries?
Everyone! Libraries are busier than ever and Woodbury Public Library is no exception. The Library provides resources and services to our community year-round, 24/7.
In 2025, Woodbury Public Library served the community with:
HOW is the library operated?
Woodbury Public Library is one of 46 libraries making up the Ramapo Catskill Library System. Our Library employs between 14-17 individuals who provide direct services to the public. The Director works closely with a seven-member Board of Trustees and together they govern the organization.
WHAT happens with your vote?
- Programs year-round for all ages and all abilities
- Latest bestsellers for all ages
- A variety of clubs to enjoy
- Museum membership passes
- Print, copy, scan and fax services
- Public computers
- WiFi access
- Homebound delivery service
- Digital content (eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines)
- Movie streaming
- Online databases (such as Consumer Reports, Mango Languages, and NoveList Plus, which helps you find books based on what you like)
- New York Times All Access
- Online learning tools
- Funding remains uncertain
- Possible cuts to hours and services
- Reduced programming (e.g., summer reading, classes, art and crafts, etc.)
- Reduced resources available to borrow or use
WHERE does the money go?
The money goes back to our community in the form of services, resources, programs, and of course our staff. They are the heart of our public library – the ones who bring the programs to life, field questions and connect with patrons every day.
WHAT if the Library wants to increase their funding?
All Library requests to increase funding would require community approval via public vote.
HOW will this change the Town–Library relationship?
“YES” Vote
- Community decides funding
- Funding is protected and CANNOT be cut
“NO” Vote — Current
- Town Board decides funding
- Funding CAN be cut
No Change
- Town collects taxes on behalf of WPL
- Town Supervisor acts as Treasurer
- Town keeps library funds in a separate account
- Town has custody (not control) of library funds
- Library trustees control expenditures
- Town accounting department disburses funds
Contact Kathleen Mele, Director kmele@rcls.org • (845) 928-6162
