Newark Library vote passes

The second attempt by the Newark Library board to establish a new and expanded library district passed yesterday after a total of 887 residents of the Newark School District went to the polls and voted.

The vote was held at the library and resulted in 505 voters approving the plan and 350 against the proposal.

A new library tax bill will now be sent to all property owners in the new district, starting with the school tax bills in September. The expanded tax base means that the cost of operating the library will be spread over a larger, user area. Village residents will see a 4.2 % decrease in their tax rate, according to Mayor Peter Blandino and the village board. Final village budget figures were being withheld pending the outcome of the library vote.

As part of the redistricting, and included in the vote, was voter approval of seven library trustees, who now have to be elected to their terms. Receiving voter approval at Tuesday's election were Jill Antonucci, Mary Jane Healy, Joe Nicosia, Tina Smith, Sue Welcher, Laurie Williams, and John Zornow.

Library Executive Director Elly Dawson said that the 'yes' vote indicates to everyone that Newark is a community that cares about the future and how their tax dollars are spent.

'There will never be a better deal, a better investment, or a better opportunity for the community than a strong, well supported public library' added Dawson.

Library Board President John Zornow said that the victory was not just one for village taxpayers, but a sign that quality still matters. 'Those looking to invest in our community look at the quality of our schools, recreation facilities, libraries, shopping, and yes, reasonable tax rates. Our job as a library board is to maintain a quality library. We now have stable funding and will move ahead.'

top of page

Copyright © 2006
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513 - 315-331-1000
All Rights Reserved