Saratoga Springs library vote on Thursday

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District will be able to vote on a $5.7 million budget for the Saratoga Springs Public Library that calls for a 2 percent tax increase on Thursday, April 11.

Voting will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Dutcher Community Room at the library on Henry Street.

A public hearing on the budget will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, also in the library’s community room.

The spending plan calls for $5.2 million to be raised by taxes. Library officials said the proposed 2 percent increase is the first increase since a half-percent increase in 2017.

“The Board of Trustees and staff are grateful for the public’s past support of our library’s popular services and programs,” said Janet Lindner, president of the board. “The proposed budget will allow us to continue those services, to update and repair library systems to meet ever-growing demand and to maintain our library as a valuable resource for community members of all ages.”

Library Director Isaac Pulver said the library circulated more than 770,000 items during 2018, saw digital circulation increase 20 percent, and so attendance at programs increase. He said an average of about 1,000 people a year visit the library.

The library serves residents of the City School District, which includes the city and parts of the towns of Greenfield, Wilton, Milton. Saratoga and Malta. Library taxes appear on residents’ school tax bills but are voted on separately. The library tax varies from community to community in the district; property owners in Saratoga Springs currently pay 99 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.

There is also one library trustee seat up for election. Minita Sanghvi is running unopposed for the seat.