LIBRARY BUDGET MESSAGE 2008-2009

Budget Message - April 2008

Libraries! -- What terrific places they are -- changing, growing, diversifying -- part welcoming introduction to story hours and the joy of reading to our youngest patrons, part reference resource center and Internet access for older patrons, part a room of their own with computers for the 'tweens and teens, part quiet study rooms for serious students and those who need quiet space, part newest books and media for everyone who enjoys the best sellers and part community center for all of our patrons who appreciate stimulating programs and art exhibits.

Below, the stringent budget that makes all these things possible is presented.

Library Materials show a small increase for DVDs, CDs and Talking Books as these are the items in greatest demand by our patrons. The other items in this code are still maintained, but slightly decreased.

Operating Expenses show the increases a four-story building requires. As every homeowner knows, utilities (heat, light, water) cost more every year and we are working hard to make this building more efficient. In the Building Maintenance/Operation category are the costs of all the basic service contracts to keep the library functional, including those for cleaning, the HVAC system, Checkpoint (our RFID self-checkout system), copy machines, and snow removal -- always an unknown.

Equipment and Supplies are also part of the unglamorous but necessary part of our operations. This code includes the costs for computers, scanners and printers which are upgraded on a rotating basis. Library Automation Costs covers the many services that the Automated Library Information System provides, including the online catalog. Fees paid to the Nassau Library System include Manhasset's share of the costs for the daily delivery service of materials among libraries.

Postage/ Printing/ Programs only increased due to the rising costs of postage. Money from the Friends of the Library offsets some of these costs, but other items, the quarterly Newsletter and the postage meter, are included.

Salaries, Retirement, Social Security, Insurance. Many of the costs in this category, including Social Security and Retirement, are mandated, and the salary increases are set by the Contract between the Staff Association and the Trustees.

Administrative Expenses show a slight overall decrease. While conferences and travel have been set a bit lower, there is very little leeway in the other categories. Professional fees include the library's CPA services, the insurance appraisal, and the payroll company. Membership dues include the costs to belong to professional organizations that are central to all libraries. Our trustees are unpaid volunteers who receive no benefits.

We have pared this budget down to the minimum necessary to keep our materials current, our patrons comfortable, and the building running smoothly. An increase of only 4.45%, which is close to the cost of living increase, reflects very prudent cost control.

Come visit our library! Take out a book! Enjoy the current art exhibit featuring two local artists! We'll be happy to see you.

Library Board of Trustees

                                            James E. Pelzer, President                                                         Richard Tortora , Trustee
                                            Seval LaRocca, Vice President                                                  Heidi McNamara, Trusteee
                                            Francis J. Hone, Financial Secretary

Annual Meeting, Library Community Room
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 8:00 PM

Budget Vote and Trustee Election, Library Community Room
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 --7:00 AM - 9:00 PM


MANHASSET PUBLIC LIBRARY: BUDGET 2008 - 09

 
   

CURRENT
2007-08

PROPOSED
2008-09
LIBRARY MATERIALS    
Books  
170,000
145,000
CDs, Videos, Talking Books  
55,000
58,200
Microfilm, Newspapers  
12,111
12,000
Magazines, Newspapers  
21,100
19,500
Vertical File  
400
0
Online Databases  
56,000
48,000
 
TOTAL
314,611
282,700
OPERATING EXPENSES  
Custodial salaries  
70,399
72,500
Contingency fund  
2,000
2,000
Telephone  
17,200
18,000
Fuel, electricity, water  
161,105
175,000
Custodial supplies  
18,500
12,500
Building repairs/equipment  
5,000
15,000
Insurance  
33,000
29,000
Building maintenance/operation  
116,500
130,000
 
TOTAL
423,704
454,000
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES  
AV equipment  
1,000
1,000
Library equipment  
24,000
15,000
Office/library supplies  
28,500
26,800
Library Automation costs  
30,938
30,000
Maintenance/repairs: equipment  
1,800
0
 
TOTAL
86,238
72,800
POSTAGE/PRINTING/PROGRAMS  
Postage  
12,000
14,500
Publicity, printing, programs  
105,500
105,500
 
TOTAL
117,500
120,000
SALARIES, RETIREMENT, SOCIAL SECURITY, INSURANCE  
Salaries, professional  
908,778
941,600
Salaries, clerical  
831,849
902,000
Retirement  
150,000
141,000
Social Security  
136,000
144,100
Workman's compensation  
35,000
16,500
Unemployment insurance  
1,000
1,000
Disability insurance  
3,200
3,500
Health insurance  
445,245
453,500
 
TOTAL
2,511,072
2,603,200
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES  
Conferences and travel  
10,000
7,000
Professional fees  
20,500
22,000
Membership dues  
1,896
3,000
 
TOTAL
32,396
32,000
   
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES  
3,485,521
3,564,700
LESS ANTICIPATED RECEIPTS  
-365,200
-305,600
            TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET  
3,120,321
3,259,100
   
DEBT SERVICE  
1,119,312
1,118,631
   
TOTAL TAX  
4,239,633
4,377,731

Back to Homepage