By Jason Scheer
With renovations set to wrap up in the coming months, the new proposed budget totals $3,327,000, an increase of $229,615 over the current budget. The tax levy will be $3,024,000, which is $204,615 - or 7.3 percent - higher than the current levy.
Among the largest increases of expenditures is on library materials. The budget for these materials, which include books, audio-visual tapes and periodicals, is $330,900. That is an increase of $23,500, or 7.6 percent.
"The board is determined to see an enhancement of the library's collection," Library Board President Kevin Kamen said. "We need to upgrade and replenish our collection, and this budget will permit us to do so."
In addition to increased costs for materials, other areas of increase include cultural programs and educational services, equipment maintenance costs and building and grounds maintenance. In these areas, the budget has gone up $9,000, $16,000 and $56,585, respectively, over current costs.
The budget to maintain the building and grounds is $275,400, an increase of $56,585, or 25.9 percent. The new building is twice the size of the old one, so it will take more money to maintain it. Kamen said, "This covers our anticipated increases for light, heat, water, custodial supplies, repairs and alterations, building insurance and grounds maintenance."
Finally, the budget for salaries in 2005-06 rose $105,400, to a total of about $1.8 million. The figure reflects planned increases in salaries for all staff. The board is currently negotiating with the union representing the library staff, and Kamen would not comment on specific salaries. "We have a dedicated staff, and we're working hard to reach an accord that is both fair and reasonable," he said. "The contract the board signs off on has got to be affordable to the taxpayers of Baldwin."
The library and school budget will be put to a vote on May 17 at Baldwin Senior High School, 841 Ethel Kloberg Drive. Residents can also vote for their choice of library and school board candidates that day. The high school will be the only polling place, but will be open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
