Mamaroneck Public Library Gets Voter Approval For Budget

With nearly twice the number of voters then last year, unofficial results as of 9 p.m. last night indicate that the ’s 2012-13 budget has passed by a margin of 328 to 267.

“We were surprised at how many people came out to vote,” said Library Board Vice-President Carolyn Pomeranz about the turnout.

is a 6 percent increase over the 2010-11 budget, with an 18.26 increase in the tax levy.  This translates to an additional $75 for taxpayers on an average assessed home at $20,000.

Many of the increases were earmarked for one-time fees incurred in moving from the library’s temporary location on Mamaroneck Avenue to the new 31,300 square foot facility as well as state mandated increases in retirement benefits. Had the budget not passed, the library would have had to revert to the previous year’s budget, which could have resulted in staff and program cuts and reduced hours of operation.

“Fortunately, most of the people supported us in paying for this gorgeous new library—it’s very gratifying to see that,” said Board President Jeff Meighan. 

Including absentee ballots, there were 606 total voters compared to last year’s election, when only 359 voters came out, said Pomeranz.

Several trustees were also elected into office as follows:

Leonard Tallevi - 415 votes

Fred Rosenberg, incumbent - 399 votes

Eileen Cohen, incumbent – 385 votes

Joseph Vozza, incumbent – 421 votes

Helen Rafferty (write-in candidate) – 11 votes

Official results will not be available until all absentee ballots—which could be postmarked as late as Dec. 14—are counted.