November 4, 2009

ELMIRA -- While a lot of people worried about which candidate was going to win in Tuesday's election, the folks at the Chemung County Library District kept their fingers crossed about another ballot issue.
     Chemung County voters were asked to approve the library district's 2010 budget, which called for a 1.18% tax levy increase.  They did, 62-38%.
     This is the first time in a few years the Library District had to ask for a tax increase.  Director Jim Sleeth says there've been several construction projects at library branches -- including building new roofs at Horseheads, Big Flats, and West Elmira -- and handicapped bathrooms.
     Sleeth says the tax increase was necessary for the library district to provide the same amount of services as in years past.
     “We think voters care about public library services, whether it's story hour for their kids or charging out a DVD for family use.  We're just really thrilled that the voters acknowledge our contribution to their lives here in Chemung County,” said Sleeth.
     The tax increase breaks down to about $2.70 a month for a home assessed at $50,000.