Budget Vote FAQs
Your questions, answered.
Are library budget votes common?
Yes. The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) consists of 46 libraries. Only two are without secure funding via public budget ballot voting – Woodbury and Montgomery.
How many petition signatures are needed?
25
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 FY2027 = $942,644
Why such a big budget increase?
What’s being discussed as a “budget increase” is actually the difference between budget and tax levy. WPL hopes to close the gap between projected costs (BUDGET) 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.
What happens if the library budget vote doesn’t pass?
The Library is required to negotiate 2027’s tax levy with the Town just as in years past. It will be used as a back-up in the event of an unsuccessful vote.
Why not upgrade to one large library facility?
This is not an option without secure and sustainable funding.
Why not close one branch and save for one large library facility?
NYS Minimum Standards for public libraries require adequate space for the population.
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 an RCLS library and possibly our Charter.
Minimum Standards for library facilities
Why is the personnel budget line so high?
OUR STAFF ARE OUR STARS! They are a huge part of what brings patrons and families through the door. From fielding questions, to finding the perfect book, making suggestions received a reality, and the events and programs imagined, created and executed. Without them, WPL would be a warehouse of books.
Personnel expenses are currently 78% of WPL’s BUDGET FY2027. For perspective, Chester is 77%, Cornwall 74.6% and Monroe 71% (Source: RCLS Annual Report Statistics)
“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)
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.
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 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.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The MOU was created as a snapshot of the current relationship between the Town and the Library as it was in February 2025. Currently, WPL is to “take the lead and fund” all repairs, maintenance and improvements.
It is WPL’s hope the Town will reconsider undocumented decision and restore the decades long history of support of our local municipal public library as is shown in the current Town Code. With all parties in agreement, a simple update to the MOU can be made.
Capital Fund History
- 2021 Public Survey
- 11-23-2021 Creation of Capital Fund with a $50k transfer
- 2023 Public Survey
- 08-22-2023 transfer $250k while working with an Architect re; grant and construction aid options
- 01-28-2025 transfer of $25k for grant received from Assemblyman Colin Schmitt to replace accessibility ramp at CVL
- 10-21-2025 final transfer of $150k as directed by RCLS to protect WPL’s resources and only asset (CVL)
