Budget Approved & 3 Trustees Elected
Albany city residents voted today to approve a 2.0% increase in the library tax levy, which is under the NYS tax cap, to support the Albany Public Library.
The budget was approved by 81% of the voters, with a final vote tally of 2,050 to 486.
The approved 2024-25 library operating tax levy is $7,864,740. The owner of a $250,000 home in the city of Albany will pay about an extra $9.15 for the library in the next year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2024-25 library tax is $1.71 per $1,000 of assessed value.
“We are thankful that residents voted to continue supporting Albany Public Library,” said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “The budget approval allows us to deal with rising operational and contractual costs, while also pursuing fiscal stability and sustainability. APL leaders, staff, and trustees truly appreciate the confidence our community has in the library.”
Also today, voters selected three members for the library’s Board of Trustees. Paige Allen and Jennifer Marlow were the top two vote getters and will serve five-year terms, while Mary A. Rosch received the third highest vote total and will serve a one-year term.
The vote totals for all 12 trustee candidates were:
(1) Paige Allen with 785 votes (winner of five-year term)
(2) Jennifer Marlow with 675 votes (winner of five-year term)
(3) Mary A. Rosch with 671 votes (winner of one-year term)
(4) Tia Anderson with 611 votes
(5) Paul Collins-Hackett with 592 votes
(6) Kirsten Broschinsky with 553 votes
(7) Zachary Cunningham with 508 votes
(8) Marsha Lazarus with 451 votes
(9) Carlos Velasquez with 413 votes
(10) Daniel Schneider with 393 votes
(11) Daniel Plaat with 323 votes
(12) Bradford Lachut with 116 votes
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.