Long Beach Library budget represents 1.8 percent hike

They same day the will be asked to vote on the school budget on May 18, Long Beach residents will also cast a ballot for the proposed 2010-11 library budget, which represents a $55,730, or 1.8 percent, increase from than the current budget.

The $3.2 million spending plan would increase the tax levy by 1.9 percent. Library Director George Trepp said the increases are mainly due to mandated expenses, such as the New York State retirement fund, health insurance and contractual obligations. He explained that the library’s contribution to the retirement fund increased by $34,000, or 23 percent.

“It’s a constitutionally mandated expense,” said Trepp. “We don’t have much control over it. New York State says ‘here are the rates, pay it.’” Trepp went on to say that health insurance costs have also increased $9,000. “It didn’t go up a lot, but it did go up,” he said of the costs.

If an employee opts not to take the offered health insurance, he explained, the library gives the employee 50 percent of the insurance cost, as a buyout, but the library is able to save 50 percent of the cost. By offering this option, Trepp said the library gains greater control over costs.

“Most of the [budget] lines are almost the same expect for some decreases and reallocations,” he added.

The budget reduces spending on books by $15,000, but reallocated that money into video, where the library has seen an increased demand since the Blockbuster on East Park Avenue closed last December. Trepp also said more money has been budgeting for programs and museum passes. “As the economy remains in a downstate, people need to have quality entertainment that they can obtain at a reasonable price, and a reasonable price is free,” Trepp said. Trepp pointed out that average library tax is $175 a year or $14.66 a month.

Kathleen Dwyer’s seat on the library’s Board of Trustees is up for election. When the Herald went to press, Dwyer was sill the only candidate who had filed to run.

Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.