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Residents of Saratoga Springs are heading to the polls today (April 24) to vote on the proposed budget for the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The budget, totaling $5.4 million, represents a 1.5% increase from the previous year and is primarily driven by salary, health insurance expenses, and capital projects, including the replacement of a 30-year-old elevator system.
Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the library's H. Dutcher Community Room. According to the Saratoga Springs Public Library, registered voters residing in the Saratoga Springs City School District are eligible to participate in the vote. Absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m.
The library director, A. Issac "Ike" Pulver, presented the budget details during a public hearing on Monday (April 21). If the budget is not approved, the library will not be able to make changes and will continue to operate with the same funding as the previous fiscal year. This could lead to adjustments in budget lines and services.
The fiscal year 2025-26 marks significant milestones for the library, including the 30th anniversary of the current library building and the 75th anniversary of the library's charter. Plans for commemorating these anniversaries are underway, and a new strategic plan focusing on accessibility and community engagement will be unveiled.
For more information, residents can visit the Saratoga Springs Public Library website or contact the library directly.