Riverhead Free Library Budget Passes, 271-195

The Riverhead Free Library budget for 2011-2012 passed on Tuesday, by a vote of 271 to 195. 

The $3.3 million budget will call for a 7.9 percent increase in spending over 2010-2011, with the highest increases coming in health insurance and retirement costs.

"The RFL staff and I look forward to continuing to provide excellent library service to our community in the coming year," said Lisa Jacobs, library director, in an email. "In these times of economic uncertainty, we were naturally concerned about the outcome of the vote, but are very pleased that our patrons see the value of their library."

Being open 68 to 72 hours per week, Jacobs said last month that cutting personnel to offset the costs would not be worth the loss in service.

And the voters agreed. At least 58 percent of them.

"A well-funded library is the key to a good community," said Riverhead resident Paul Michael. "It really keeps the community vibrant. And the library has been under stress - seems like everybody uses their computer. But it's still important that the community has it as a cultural center."

According to material submitted by the library prior to the vote, the increase will result in about $12 more per household in taxes. Some thought the library could spend its current resources better.

"It's too much in payroll," said Michelle Janlewicz. "And the reference books are just outdated. I know the MTA tax hurt them, but I went to look for an IRS book and it was from 1997." 

Michael was hard pressed to find exactly where the library should devote its resources, but said the amount was not nearly enough to turn down.

"Let's be honest," he said. "I'll spend more on beer."

The Baiting Hollow Library budget, over $11,000, also passed, by a vote of 255-212.