Voters back North Merrick Library budget

A strong majority of residents who voted on the North Merrick Public Library’s 2015-16 budget — more than 68 percent — supported the proposal, which will take effect July 1.

It will modestly raise spending, mostly on employee costs and also on service contracts, utilities and elections. It will cut funding for library materials and electronic resources as well as operating expenses including building repairs and equipment.

The library’s tax levy will increase 3.54 percent, more than double a cap the state set. Nevertheless, the budget will take hold because voters approved it. Library Director Tom Witt said that the average North Merrick household’s property taxes will increase $13.

“The Library Board of Trustees and director are very appreciative that the community voted to pass the budget,” Witt said.

Turnout for the April 22 library vote was small. The budget passed 101-47 — in a community with 12,272 adults, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

Library Trustee Barbara Behrens, running unopposed, was re-elected to a five-year term on the Board of Trustees.