APL Budget Vote and Trustee Election is May 21
Updated May 20, 2024
Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 21, to vote on the Albany Public Library 2024-2025 tax levy. There will also be a trustee election on May 21, with three seats on the ballot. Polling places are open that day from 7 am until 9 pm.
The proposed 2024-2025 operating tax levy of $7,864,740 reflects a two percent increase in the annual total tax levy. This 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 $250,000 home would pay approximately $9.15 more in library taxes next year.
“The decision to increase the library tax levy is never easy,” said Board of Trustees President Brigitte Pryor. “Securing adequate, sustainable funding for the library’s service program is a basic function of the Board. We continue to focus on the sustainability piece.”
“This budget increase of two percent supports our staff and core services, and positions us to leverage partnerships and grant opportunities,” said Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “We are mindful that these days, public libraries and civil liberties are under attack. We strive for excellence and we don’t take community support for granted.”
In addition to casting ballots on the budget, voters will also select three trustees on May 21. Two positions carry full five-year terms, which commence on July 1, 2024. The two full terms will go to the two highest vote-getters. There is also a one-year term available, which commences after the election and ends in May 2025. The one-year term will go to the third highest vote-getter.
There are 12 official candidates on the ballot for library trustee. Listed in ballot order, they are:
- 1. Daniel Schneider
- 2. Zachary Cunningham
- 3. Carlos Velasquez
- 4. Paige Allen
- 5. Jennifer Marlow
- 6. Bradford Lachut
- 7. Kirsten Broschinsky
- 8. Paul Collins-Hackett
- 9. Marsha Lazarus
- 10. Tia Anderson
- 11. Mary A. Rosch
- 12. Daniel Plaat
Read the voter information guide
Watch a video of the meet-the-candidates forum
View the 2024-2025 budget documents
Get information about polling places, early voting, and absentee voting
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.