The Hillside Public Library Board is likely to approve a resolution which would enable it to present a budget to voters with a tax levy that exceeds the 2 percent state cap.
“We will probably vote to override the tax cap,” library Trustee Kathy Seyfried said last week.
Seyfried said the board would consult with its attorney, but said she that “in all likelihood,” it would be advised to exercise an “override” option.
Board members intend to decide on the resolution in February or March, Seyfried said.
The library, which is part of the New Hyde Park- Garden City Park School District, is legally a special district and faces the same requirements as a municipality.
“We are considered a government entity, since we’re all elected and the budget is put up for a public vote,” Seyreid said.
A 60 percent vote of the five-member Hillside Public Library Board would be required to put a budget on the ballot that overrides the 2 percent cap. A majority vote decides the issue in the popular election.
The Hillside Public Library approved a 2011-12 budget of $2,834,925 – a 1.98 percent year-to-year increase – passed by a vote of 1,235-680 in May.
“It was under the 2 percent, but with such a large increase in pension payments this year it makes coming under the cap less certain,” said Charlotte Noll, Hillside Library director.
Noll said the board has already discussed the idea of passing the override resolution, and she indicated the dialogue was moving in that direction.
“At this point, we don’t know. We’re going to be starting our budget work after the new year. It’s a possibility,” she said. “That’s what we were discussing.”
Noll said the adoption of a resolution permitting the board to exceed the 2 percent cap on the tax levy would also protect the library in case the library’s tax levy exceeded the 2 percent cap as a result of a miscalculation.
Municipalities and special district face financial penalties if they exceed the 2 percent cap without prior authorization. Many governments around the state have adopted local override laws to also avoid potential penalties.
The library board will resume discussion on the tax cap override at its next board meeting on Jan. 12.
Reach reporter Richard Tedesco by e-mail at rtedesco@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204
