2001-03-09
MAR-09-2001 15:42
r
WALSH,WICKS & SALISBURY
P.02
GRINNELL LIBRARY
Founded 1867
Grinnell Library Associalion · 2642 Easl Main Street. Wappingers Falls. New York 12590. (845) 297-3428. FAX (845) 297.1506
hnp:/Iwww.grinnell.wappingers.libiny.us
'Ihlfitees
Keith Salisbury
President.
Elaine Snowden
Vice President
Sara McWilliams
Secretary
Anthony CRlllpilii
Trea!lurer
Robert N. Chambers
Joseph F. Corrigan
Bath Devino
Phil DiN.onno
I-Ielen Fu i Illl:l rello
Paul Ganoi
Roderick J. MacLeod
Margaret T. O'Leary
Harry E. Reis, Jr.
James I.... Sedore, Jr.
Sally Taylor
LUJI'nry Director
Mar~arcl M. Keefe
March 9, 2001
Albert P. Robens, Esq.
1136 Route 9
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Re: Chapter 414
Dear AI:
Pursuant to our telephone discussion, I am enclosing copy of article concerning
Chapter 414 and a profile of patrons using the Library during the year 2000.
The Library is currently being funded at approximately $9 per patron when the
State Library System has indicated that the generally accepted per patron funding is
$20. Our current government support is $202,850 consisting of Town of
Wappinger $100,000, Town of Poughkeepsie $47,000, Village of Wappinger
$32.500, Dutchess County $15,350, and NYS local aid $8,000.
To properly fund the Library the government support would need [0 increase by
$200,000 to a total of $400,000. This latter amount is in line with the funding
being received by the East Fishkill and Fishkilllibraries.
This shortfall results in the Library being understaffed, the staff being underpaid,
the supply of books, videos. books on tape, computers and computer programs
being inadequate, and the building not being properly maintained.
Members of the Library Board would like to meet informally with the Town Board
to discuss the Library's funding. If the Town Board feels it is not in a position to
substantially increase the allocation to the Library, the Library Board is willing to
seek such increase by petitioning to place the Library's allocation on the ballot
1867 - 2000
Celebrating 133 Years of Service to the Community
MAR-09-2001 15:43
..
WALSH,WICKS & SALISBURY
P.03
Albert P. Roberts, Esq.
-2-
March 9, 2001
pursuant to Chapter 414. In such case, we would hope the Town Board would
support the Library's efforts pursuant to Chapter 414.
If I can provide you with anything further, please advise.
Very truly yours.
GRINNELL LIBRARY
RKS:pv
cc: Ms. Connie Smith
/? I~A'~/
R. Keith Salisbury _ I
President, Board of Trustees
a:\GL.2\robens030901
TOTAL P. 03
,.......-==='"
414 Data
Funding Comparisons
· Grinnell Library's town budget is $100,000. This compares to $400,000 in E. Fishkill~
270,000 in LaGrange and $156,00 in Beekman. These libraries all service smaller
populations than Grinnell serves. .
· Grinnell receives less tax support than most libraries in the county (even though we are
2nd in the county in population served) with spending of$9.32 per capita. Below are
examples of per capita spending at libraries in neighbouring communities:
Beacon
East Fishkill
LaGrange
Pleasant Vall.
Red Hook
$18.79
$19.37
$20.67
$14.73
$24.47
414 Votes Approved in the following communities:
414 passed in November in Pawling, Milton, Phoenica and Pine Hill.
Similar measures were approved by voters in Beekman, Pleasant Valley and LaGrange in 1999.
Wily we need increased funding?
. Collection (books, books on tapes, CDs, videos) is in need of upgrading
. Staffing Concerns - low wages and no benefits; need to increase staff numbers to meet
increased usage
. Building Maintenance - to preserve and upgrade our historic facility
. Increased operating expenses .
Bodks
Audiovis.
Printing
Postage
Magazines
Lib. Equipl
Computers
Leased
Equip. 2,030
Lib. Spls. 7,200
Lib. Prog. 2,100
Staff Confers. 525
Misc. 3,000
..
Interest
Fines
Copier
NYS
County
Donations
Fund Raising
Town
Surplus
COMPAIUSON OF EAST FISHKILL AND GRINNELL
REVENUEIEXPENDITURES
E. Fishkill
Grinnell
Revenue
5,000
12,000
3,000
6,000
18,000
5,000
5,000
426,000
7,750
8,685
14,400
3,000
8,000
14,648
26,000
70,000
487,750
144,733
27,000 Village
47,000 Town Pok.
218,733
Expenditures
54,600
4,200
1 ,200
2,000
4,700
8,200
21,965
4,.200
200
550
1,950
5,300
2,200
4,000
2,000
675
200
89,755
42,365
..
Automation 30,000 J7,750
Pcrsollllcl 290,000 J 34,620
Capital
Development 40,000 ----------..
Maintcnancc
Utilities J 7,860 8,500
Phone 3,100 1,650
Bldg. Repairs 5, J 50 4,000
Bldg. Supplics J ,550 225
Insurance 8,800 9,400
Garden/Grounds 1,535 900
--------- ---------
37,995 24,670
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
Lib. Materials 89,755 42,365
Automation 30,000 17,750
Personnel 290,000 134,620
Cap. Develop. 40,000 --------
Maintenancc 37,995 24,670
-------.. ---------
487,750 219,405
..
GRINNELL LmRARY
Profile of Patrons using the library from January I-December 31/ 2000
Total number of items checked out at the library
during the year: 74,956
Items checked out by local residents:
Town of Poughkeepsie Residents:
17,072 (25.3%)
Town of Wappinger Residents:
39,655 (58.8%)
Village of Wappingers Residents:
10,733 (15.9%)
Total:
67,460