The Finkelstein Memorial Library is proposing a 1.8% increase to its budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, raising its total tax levy from $6.561M to $6.679M. For the average home assessed at $56,000, this increase equates to $5.24 more per year. The budget increase is needed to fund rising costs of materials, telecommunications, and insurance, despite efforts to cut expenses by freezing salaries, not filling vacancies, and reducing other costs. The vote on the proposed $7.258M budget will take place on June 6 from 7-9pm at the library.

1. Finkelstein Memorial Library 2011-2012 Proposed Budget

2. Impact on Taxpayers Total tax levy goes from $6.561M to $6.679M, an increase of 1.8%. The tax levy funds 92% of the budget. For a house assessed at $56,000 (which equates to fair market value of $395,000 – the East Ramapo average), the increase is $5.24 for the year. Funding will help pay for the cost of more books and other material purchases, as well as uncontrollable cost increases in areas such as telecommunications and insurance.

3. How We’ve Kept Costs Down and the Proposed Increase to a Minimum By freezing ALL salaries at 2010-11 levels By not filling vacant positions By reducing expenses wherever possible By enhancing the Library’s more cost-effective online electronic resources By purchasing energy from a third-party supplier at rates below those of O&R By securing funding for special needs from our elected officials

4. Budget Specifics ($millions) 2011-12 Proposed Salaries (frozen) 4.1 Benefits 1.6 Books, etc. 0.6 Programs 0.1 Supplies 0.1 Computing & telecomm 0.3 Utilities 0.2 All other 0.3 TOTAL 7.3 2010-11 Approved Salaries 4.1 Benefits 1.5 Books, etc 0.5 Programs 0.1 Supplies 0.1 Computing & telecomm 0.3 Utilities 0.2 All other 0.3 TOTAL 7.1

5. Funding the 2011-12 Budget Tax Levy $6.679M Stabilization Fund $0.370M Fines, State Aid, etc. $0.209M $7.258M

6. If the Budget Fails Cuts in acquisitions of books, DVDs, CDs, reference and other materials Reduction in number of multiple copies of new and popular releases Restricted participation in, or elimination of, programs No upgrades of popular business and other computer applications No replacement of computer terminals

7. Vote on Monday, June 6 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. only at the Library 3 rd floor Fielding Room, or by absentee ballot For more information contact the Library Clerk at 845-352-5700, ext. 256 Thank you for your support