On Tuesday, May 17, the Albany Public Library budget is on the ballot. “The total tax levy includes a 2.5% increase, which is under the NYS tax cap. The proposed increase would mean that the owner of a $150,000 home would pay approximately $5.98 more in library taxes next year.”
Budget Vote
This is the first time in four years that the library has sought even a modest budget increase. The last couple of years have been challenging for library operations. Even when the buildings were closed due to COVID, the staff was busy providing telephone and online resources. Of course, the library is experiencing increased costs for most facets of its operation, including books, utilities, facility maintenance, gas, and cleaning supplies.
Trustee Election
Also, there are 10 candidates for the four open trustee seats. These Albany residents, who submitted valid nominating petitions to the City School District of Albany, will appear on the ballot in this order:
(1) Sarah Macinski of Edgewood Ave.
(2) Gene Damm of Fairlawn Ave.
(3) Kevin Whitehead of Wood Terr.
(4) Paige A. Barnum of Lancaster St.
(5) Lynnette D. Robinson of Beverly Ave.
(6) Ford P.R. McLain of Elm St.
(7) Kirsten Broschinsky of Edgewood Ave.
(8) Andrea C. West of Edgecomb St.
(9) Tabora D. Marcus of 2nd St.
(10) Carlos Velasquéz of Jefferson St.
The top three vote-getters will be elected to serve full five-year terms. The person receiving the fourth-highest number of votes will be elected to serve four years of an unexpired term.
More Information
For more information, download the voter information packet or watch the Candidate Forum.
Remember that School District election polling places may be DIFFERENT than the primary/general election sites. Check here for your polling place.
(https://www.albanyschools.org/business/budget/voting-information)
Note that the budget for the City School District of Albany will also be up for vote, as well as two candidates for its board and two propositions, which the school district asserts would not have any additional impact on taxes. For more information, visit www.albanyschools.org.
