Budget Vote FAQs

Click here to view the information page on the Library Budget Vote

 NOTE:
The information presented on this Woodbury Public Library website is accurate and endorsed by the library.

Are library budget votes common?

YES. 44 of 46 libraries in the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) have communities who voted to secure their Library’s funding and future.

Only TWO libraries are without sustainable funding – Woodbury and Montgomery.

For someone not paying attention to local politics, what is this change trying to fix?

A successful vote would remove the consistent uncertainty of the Library’s annual funding, creating a secure and sustainable tax levy.

What does this mean for those who also pay Cornwall Library taxes?

This library budget vote does not affect your Cornwall library taxes.  Only the taxes collected by the Town of Woodbury on behalf of the Woodbury Public Library will change.

How many petition signatures are needed?

25 signatures are needed.

“The need for this edition was triggered by the passage of a 2023 law that reduces the number of petition signatures needed for libraries to use this sustainable funding path. This is a significant moment in the history of New York’s public and association libraries as it paves the way for annual budget votes for association and municipal public libraries, something that has been long overdue to address the chronic underfunding of these libraries.”

Source:  Municipal Ballot Votes for Library Funding in New York State (4^th Edition)

Why not upgrade to one large library facility?

This exciting option can be explored once secure and sustainable funding is in place.

Why not close one branch to save for one large library facility?

NYS Minimum Standards for public libraries require adequate space for the population (Standard #8).

NYS public libraries are chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. The Regents’ responsibilities include oversight of all educational and cultural institutions.

Disregarding guidelines and best practices could jeopardize WPL’s standing as a public library and possibly our Charter.

Is a $901,194 tax levy justified without having one large library facility?

YES.  The community’s investment in its Library is justified by its services, programs, and impact.

Has the Library ever had a review of its operations?

YES.  A representative from the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Library Development team reviewed the operations and facilities of both libraries prior to the merger.  The determination received said: “The libraries, working together, meet the needs of the community.  I can see no way that cuts can be made without damaging service to the community as a whole.” 

What about the Town’s concern that this vote will divide the community?

In a democracy, the power belongs to the people.  Elections rarely have unanimous results and neither will the library budget vote.

YES or NO, every vote matters.  Your Library.  Your Voice.

What’s the difference between BUDGET and TAX LEVY?

The BUDGET is the projected amount needed to operate the Library  FY2026 = $901,194

The TAX LEVY is the amount to be collected via taxes proposed FY2027 = $901,194

TAX LEVY + Projected Revenues = BUDGET (approved by Trustees 04-28-2026) FY2027 = $942,644

Why such a big budget increase?

What is being referred to as a “budget increase” is actually the difference between budget and tax levy.  WPL hopes to close the gap between projected costs (BUDGET less revenues) and actual money received to operate (TAX LEVY).

Example:
$899,223 2025 BUDGET
$663,835 2025 TAX LEVY
$235,388 = Difference (less revenues)

In 2025, WPL used $115k of their operating fund to offset the Town’s tax levy decision. 

In 2026, WPL pledged to use $80k of their operating fund. THIS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE.

The proposed tax levy FY2027 would increase annual library taxes on average $13 PER HOUSEHOLD.

Why is the personnel budget line so high?

Our staff is our greatest strength. Their dedication drives everything we offer—programs, literacy support, research help, and more.  The community’s participation and engagement make this possible. Thank you for helping us value and support our staff by ensuring they earn a livable wage.

Library Personnel expenses represent 78% of WPL’s FY2027 budget.**

**Excluding the Director, wages are calculated by multiplying an employee’s rate of pay, with the #  of hours they are projected to work. 

“Compensation: Personnel is a library’s most important asset, and a board must consider its investment in staff salaries as a top priority. Fiduciary responsibility requires securing adequate funding to pay competitive salaries and benefits to its Library Director and staff. A library’s success is dependent upon the quality of customer service provided by library staff.”

“Effective Library Trustees: Support competitive salaries and benefits, including an investment in continuing education, to attract and retain qualified staff.  Appropriate compensation is a direct measure of the commitment and respect a community has for the institution and its staff.”

Source: Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State (2023 Edition)

The tax levy can never be cut?

Correct, the voice of the community cannot be cut. The public decision provides the Library with a secure and sustainable tax levy.

Can programming be done by the Parks Department or Senior Center instead of the Library?

Programming is a valuable service the Library has provided to the community for decades. It is a standard of service (Standard #9) required per NYS Minimum Standards for libraries.

Why are some library budget votes in May and others in November?

School district libraries hold their votes at the same time as school budget votes (May).

Chapter 414 votes for public libraries are held at the same time as General Elections (November).

What happens if the library budget vote doesn’t pass?

The Library Board will negotiate with the Town Board on a tax levy FY2027. The amount of taxes allocated to the Library will be determined by the Town Board.

Is it true, if voters approve a funding level, the town must include that appropriation in their budget?

Source:  Municipal Ballot Votes for Library Funding in New York State (4^th Edition)

Will a successful vote limit resources available for roads, parks, police, etc?

NO. A successful vote completely separates Library taxes (community approved) from the Town’s budgeting process (council approved).

“Quite often in difficult times the library is one of the first places the municipality looks to for savings; as well as of one the last to see the restoration of budget cuts.”

Source:  Public Library District Toolkit

Capital Fund History

• 2021 Public Survey
• 11-23-2021 Creation of Capital Fund with a $50k transfer to open
• 2023 Public Survey
• 08-22-2023 transfer $250k to be combined with construction aid grants to improve CVL facility
• 01-28-2025 transfer $25k of grant money received from Assemblyman Colin Schmitt to replace accessibility ramp at CVL
• 10-21-2025 transfer $150k as directed by RCLS to protect WPL’s resources and only asset (CVL)

History of Town support of the Ida Cornell/Central Valley branch

• In 1990, the NYS Education Department reviewed the HML and CVL facilities and operations.  It determined neither library could adequately support the community on its own.
• In 1992, the Town decided it would like to support “one library, with two outlets”.
• In 1993, the Rushmore Memorial Library and the Central Valley Free Library merged to become Woodbury Public Library.
• In 1995, the Town Code was adopted, and the Building and Grounds Dept. was established.  This department would be responsible for maintaining “without limitation, the libraries”.
• In/around 2022, the Town withdrew this support of the CVL branch.
• There is no evidence in public record of when the Town discussed or adopted this decision.  The Town Code remains unchanged.
• WPL has no budget allocation for this maintenance previously provided by the Town.

Ida Cornell/Central Valley branch expansion plans

This project has been put on pause while the Library focuses on securing sustainable funding via the Chapter 414 budget vote.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The MOU was signed on February 25, 2025.

Memorandum of Understanding and Exhibits – WPL Board of Trustees LibGuide – LibGuides at Ramapo Catskill Library System