Town Board: Focus on library and survey groups

Photo by Luis Quintero

The Town Board Workshop meeting held on May 5 hosted a presentation by board members of the North Chatham Free Library, concerning a ballot initiative to raise taxes for library support.   

They explained the history and rationale for a 414 Ballot Initiative that voters will be asked to approve in November. The intention going forward is to follow the recommended practice of seeking a tax increase every two years, keeping each hike small. But it has been 18 years since the last 414 ballot initiative, the board members explained, meaning a larger-than-usual tax Increase will be required to erase an operating deficit and to match inflation. Unchanged at $65,000 a year since 2004, the new town contribution being sought is $100,000.

Presenters sald that the library is regularly supported by many hours of volunteer
service by local people, but the financial realities of running programs and
supporting staff create an ongoing need for reliable funding.

Kim Grethem, library board member, said  that the North Chatham library is “not just books”. Among other offerings, she said the library hosts frequent community events and regular educational programs for all ages. It also offers free Wi-Fi, assistance with job applications and computer use, the availability of discount passes for local museums, and meeting space for local groups. The library programs host visitors from all over Chatham and surrounding
towns.

In other Town Board business, the public was reminded that focus groups to generate commentary on the current update of the town’s Comprehensive Plan are scheduled in coming weeks and during the month of June. A listing with details of time and place of focus groups meetings is found on the Town website, in the Announcements and Calendar sections.

Focus groups will address the needs of senior citizens (May 9), agriculture (May 12), solar energy (May 21), housing (June 4), and young families (TBD). Sessions are open to all.