Sparse Turn Out For Stephentown Library Public Hearing

by David Flint
The second public hearing on the Stephentown Library’s proposal to become a Special Legislative District public library with taxing authority did not draw many more of Stephentown’s voters than the first one. This hearing was held at the Town Hall, but still only 34 members of the public attended. Library Board President Sue Brisette Cass gave a detailed presentation on the reasons and needs for opting for a more stable and sustainable funding structure and then the hearing was turned over to questions and answers.
Most of the concerns expressed had to do with taking on an additional tax burden when it seems it’s becoming more and more costly to live in Stephentown. Others wanted to know why the vote couldn’t be held in the general election in November and why in the Library. The answer from Cass and other Board Members was that the vote needs to take place before the legislative authority runs out, and the Board felt that holding it in the Library would give voters an opportunity to see what they are voting for.
Are other libraries this size going this route? A: Only East Greenbush, North Greenbush and Troy in Rensselaer County, but the Association Library funding model is peculiar to New York and New England; the national norm is to fund libraries from the tax base.
Why not consolidate or centralize with other towns? A: Transportation would be a burden for many of our customers who are the poorest among us. The Upper Hudson Library System does provide a centralization that reduces costs to individual libraries.
I don’t use the Library. Why should I subsidize those who do? Charge a user fee. A:  Improving the Library enhances the entire community, and State Education law prohibits libraries from charging for services.
What starts out as costing a cup of coffee a week could become over time a turkey dinner? A: Not likely but any increase in the initial budget will require a Town-wide vote on the budget. Taxpayers get to decide.
Library staff will become Civil Service employees. Does this mean benefits and retirement contributions? A: Employees will receive some benefits that are already included in the proposed initial budget. The elected Board of Trustees decides whether they become members of the State Retirement System.
Why does the Director need a Masters Degree? A: The Board decided long ago that the Director in this small community library with an all volunteer Board had better know what he/she is doing, someone who understands the structures and regulations of the State library system. We think the Town deserves this level of expertise.
Why does the Library need to tax residents for three times what it currently receives from the Town? A: The Library has expanded and card holders and circulation are up 30%. Town funding was adequate for the old library. As a proportion of the Library’s expanded budget, that funding has shrunk. The Library cannot sustain funding 39% of the budget on the backs of volunteer fundraisers.
One of those speaking up in favor of the restructuring was Tony Beverly. Cass had acknowledged his presence saying that he had championed making the huge effort to expand the Library. Beverly also subsequently led that endeavor and actually did a large part of the planning, the design and the work himself.
Beverly recalled the Board initiating the expansion project eight years ago and recognized the effort put forth by the current Board to improve the Library and arrange for the voters to decide on a better way to fund the expansion. “I know the arduous work you have done with many setbacks. And I know when I was in your position every now and then you would get a pat on the back, but not very often, so Thanks a lot!”