Pearl River Library To Hold Budget Hearing

Potential voters will see few changes from this year in the proposed 2011-12 budget presented at the Pearl River Public Library's public hearing 7:30 p.m. today at the library.

"It's a lean, tight budget," said Kathy Rose, Director of the Board of Trustees. "It is pretty similar to last year. The last there years or so with the economy, we're very cognizant of just how difficult it is. We're looking to keep increases as low as possible.

"Last year we cut our materials budget. We've been looking at every contract, every supply we purchase, every way we can lower our bills."

The proposed 2011-12 budget is $2,184,198, an increase of approximately $74,0o0 over the $2,110,376 2010-11 budget. Nearly $40,000 is the increase in payment into the state retirement fund.

"The differences are some things are higher, such as utilities and water and sewer taxes," Rose said. "The New York State Retirement Fund had a large increase."

The library may also have to pay for a portion of the inter-library loan system, which ahd been covered by funds from the state in the past. The system allows people to request an item that their library may not have as long as it is available at one of the other Ramapo Catskill Libary System libraries.

"Our costs are up," Rose said. "There are things we never had to pay for before."

Residents of the Pearl River Union Free School District are eligible to vote. The election will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at the library. Voters can register at the library from Wednesday and Thursday of this week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There is one spot open on the Board of Trustees, which would be for a five-year term that runs from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016. Debra Garcia-McDermott is the only candidate.