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Tuesday, May 21st, Library Proposition Vote at Unatego High School 12pm-9pm

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On May 21st the people of Unatego school district will be faced with an important vote at the Unatego High School between the hours of noon and nine. The vote will impact how both the Unadilla and Otego (Harris Memorial) libraries receive future funds considering State Educational Law 259. The vote will appear as a separate line item on the ballot, unaffected by the results of the school budget passing or failing. This law has been written and tested in the courts and has benefited other libraries in our region through its engagement with the public via the established democratic process.

The libraries are asking a total of $85,000 with $55,000 going to Otego’s Harris Memorial and $30,000 going to Unadilla’s library. The funding would continue at that same rate, collected through the annual school tax collection and unable to increase without engagement in the complete democratic process (including gathering sufficient signatures via petition to submit to the Unatego School Board, and holding a public vote) again. Funding would help support building needs, programs for the public, book buying, and state-mandated upgrades to library systems, among other things.
Both libraries have hosted multiple public educational meetings and have documents available to the public including their budgets, and the fact the average Otego owner of property at the assessed total value of $100,000 would pay approximately $20 a year (less than one new hardcover book), with the average Unadilla owner of property at the assessed total value of $100,000 paying approximately $37 a year (less than one typical fast food meal for a family of four).
Voting will occur on Tuesday May 21st at the Unatego High School from noon until nine. The libraries ask only that the members of the public consider the facts and vote according to their conscience.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the library via Facebook’s messages or the library phone (988-6661) during regular library hours.

Public Meeting Regarding Library Proposition Vote on May 21st

You have questions, we have answers (in large part because that’s what libraries are for)! Want to know why the library’s pursuing stable and ongoing funding through a separate line item on the May 21st school ballot? Want to know how it will impact locals if it passes? Want to know what other libraries in the region have benefited from this model? Want to know more about the education law that has created this funding avenue for libraries? Want to know about the failing roof…or almost anything else library-related? Here’s your chance! Bring your questions and your ability to engage in civil discourse and we should all learn a lot by talking together!

School Ballot Referendum Public Meeting

Head to the Unadilla Public Library with your questions regarding the upcoming May 21st vote which will impact library funding and the collection of funding for both the Harris Memorial Library and the Unadilla Public Library.