Smithtown voters OK library district budget

Smithtown residents have voted to pass its Special Library District’s $13.8-million budget for 2014.

The $13,841,683 budget was approved 1,006-577 after Tuesday’s election, library officials said Thursday.

Three trustee candidates were also elected to three seats in the uncontested race. Incumbent Joseph A. Vallone of Kings Park received 1,174 votes; newcomer Diana L. Schilling-Held of St. James received 1,165 votes; and newcomer Gerard J. Cairns of Kings Park received 1,076 votes.

Trustees serve three-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, in the unpaid position.

The budget includes about $520,000 more in spending and represented a 3.9 percent increase over this year’s approximately $13.3-million budget.

Taxes will increase by $6.74 for the average homeowner whose house is assessed at $6,000, with a total library tax of $307.57.

About $10.2 million of the budget is allocated for library employee salaries and benefits — a nearly $471,500 increase.

Library materials and program spending remains at $684,000, while building maintenance and operational expenses — at $479,200 and $680,600 respectively — increase by a combined $43,800.

“The library is very pleased that the residents of Smithtown supported the library’s proposed 2014 operating budget,” said Robert Lusak, director of the library district.