Merrick Library unveils 2015-16 budget

The Merrick Library’s 2015-16 budget would modestly raise spending on public services, building maintenance and operating costs. If voters approve the budget on April 15, the library’s tax levy would increase 2.16 percent, slightly less than a state-imposed cap of 2.27 percent.

The most sizable changes from 2014-15 include $22,000 more for new computers and electronic equipment and increases for programming and printing, DVDs and other videos, and building expenses including insurance, contracts and capital projects. It would cut funding for employees’ pensions by $46,000 — the greatest single year-to-year change — and also decrease office supplies.

Merrick Library Director Ellen Firer said pension funds are faring better in an improving economy, enabling the library to reduce its contributions.

Other changes in the budget include small funding increases for books, museum passes and building utilities, and small funding decreases for serials and databases and for inter-library loans.

Firer declined to estimate how much the budget would increase the average Merrick household’s property taxes. She said such figures are misleading because of wide differences in property assessments within the community and because the Nassau County Assessor’s Office, not the library, determines households’ shares of the tax levy.

“The budget falls within the tax cap, which is what we aim for,” Firer said.

She said the Merrick Library has strived to “stay on the cutting edge of technology,” from 3-D printing to tablets and streaming devices, and maintain large reading advisory and children’s services areas.

“We’re trying to provide the best services we can in a well-rounded way,” Firer said.