Albany Public Library Budget Vote is May 16
Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 16, 2023, to vote on the Albany Public Library (APL) 2023-2024 tax levy. The budget plan was unanimously approved by the library’s Board of Trustees at its March 14 meeting. There is no trustee election this year as no board terms are expiring.
The proposed 2023-2024 operating tax levy of $7,710,529 reflects a 4.58 percent increase in the annual total tax levy. This percentage increase is under this year’s New York State tax cap for APL. If approved by voters in May, this increase means that the owner of a $150,000 home would pay approximately $11.16 more in library taxes next year.
“Albany Public Library continues to operate a lean organization while providing quality library services to our community. Even so, we are facing new economic realities,” said Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “Costs have risen in almost every facet of our operation, and this increase is critical to achieving fiscal stability and sustainability.”
Thomas McCarthy, president of the APL Board of Trustees, said, “The proposed budget is a responsible plan that addresses historic inflation and energy costs. Our Board is committed to putting APL in a position to succeed in all aspects of its operation, and I believe this budget provides the best possible library services for all our users while ensuring fiscal sustainability. I’m grateful to the Trustees and staff members who helped create this proposal and I look forward to supporting the budget this May.”
The library is hosting an initial budget information session on Wednesday, May 3, at 6 pm at the Washington Ave. Branch.
Details about the library budget vote are available on the library’s website.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.