May 18, 2021 (Canandaigua, NY)—A proposition for Wood Library funding was approved by Canandaigua City School District voters in an election held May 18, 2021, by a margin of 1,000 in favor to 288 opposed. The voter-approved proposition authorizes the Canandaigua City School District to levy and collect an annual tax for Wood Library in the amount of $771,000, starting with the 2021-2022 tax bill. The library property tax rate will increase by 1.6 cents per thousand of assessed property valuation, adding $2.47 to the total tax bill of a property assessed at $150,000.
“Once again, Canandaigua school district voters spoke loudly in support of Wood Library,” said Wood Library’s Executive Director Jenny Goodemote following the tabulation of votes. “We are grateful for this show of support. The community clearly values Wood Library. Support for an increase in the library levy assures continuity of services that people need and count on, especially at this time when everyday life can be so challenging.”
Wood Library’s projected 2022 budget is $1,080,000. The increase in community-based funding addresses projected mandated minimum-wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments to salaries and benefits, restores library hours and funds for collections that were cut in 2020, and assures the continuation of popular virtual programs. The library levy does not fully fund library operations. Fundraising will have to increase to $309,000, representing 29% of the total projected budget.
“The past year forced us to reimagine library services and engage with people in new ways. People no longer have to come into the library building to benefit from all that is offered,” added Library Board President Jill Werth. “With strong community support, we will continue to be able to leverage technology and social media to serve people wherever they need or want library services – at home, at work, in school, and even while on vacation!” She continued, “Our collective investment in Wood Library helps our neighbors thrive and makes our community stronger and more vibrant.”
Wood Library is a full-service community library and charitable organization serving everyone who resides in the Canandaigua City School District. Its mission is to provide exceptional public library service in a comfortable and safe environment where people can satisfy their curiosity, stimulate their imaginations, and connect to the local community and to the world. Learn more about Wood Library at www.woodlibrary.org.
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