By Marley Seaman
In a letter to the public, Levinson noted that the upcoming tax levy is 63 percent higher than last year and said the increase was "unconscionable." He added that it was "alarming" that the board members "did not understand the consequences of their actions," and that board members should be required to take financial training courses to improve their budgeting skills.
Construction began on a new West Hempstead library on March 31, and the building is expected to be completed in July 2007. In the past, residents have criticized the board for failing to explain its budget and for the increasing cost of the new library building.
The tax levy for the average household in West Hempstead was $277 in 2005-06. This year, it will be $459. The increase covers the first payment on the bond for library construction, and the expenses of condemning buildings on the site where the library will be built. According to a library newsletter, those second, "unforeseen" expenses ‹ which will be one-time only ‹ cost the average household $93. Also included in the increased levy is a one-time only $17 fee for upkeep of library materials.
Other factors in the increase from $277 to $459 came from unexpected expenses, such as extending the construction manager's contract for an additional year, payments to the tenants of the condemned strip mall that stood on the library property, and the addition of a new section in the library's basement.
Board President Ralph Reissman said he was "disappointed" by the letter. He said that Levinson ignored the fact that a new library is being built ‹ the letter mentions "the West Hempstead Public Library construction project" ‹ and presented the facts in the worst possible light.
"It's really not a balanced presentation to the readers," Reissman said. "Harvey makes it sound like 'gee, where does the 63 percent come from?'"
Reissman added that the library board had already told the public about these expenses, and that most of them were approved when the public voted in favor of the bond to build the new library.
Scott Jablow, a former president of the West Hempstead Civic Association, said the library board should be subject to more oversight.
"I feel there should be a watchdog committee formed to oversee the library board," he said. "While the library board did inform the public of this shortage of money, it shouldn't have been, and people should be looking into it."
Payments on the bond are expected to be part of the library budget for the next 28 years. The annual cost will be between $625,000 and $652,000. Reissman said the library will refinance in 2015 if necessary.
Construction continues
The second-floor steel is currently being put in place in the new building. That process will take several weeks, and after it is completed, the masonry and windows will be installed. When that is completed, contractors can enclose the building and it will be possible to continue construction throughout the winter. Reissman said that construction is currently a few weeks behind schedule, but he expects the contractor handling the building's masonry to make up for that time.
"The masonry contractor is known to basically throw an army at the job, knock it out and get it done on time," said Reissman.
Comments about this story? MSeaman@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
