Fairview Public Library and Skene Library Seek Sustainable Funding Through May 2026 Referendum
The Boards of Trustees of Fairview Public Library in Margaretville and Skene Memorial Library in Fleischmanns have submitted petitions to place a referendum on the May 2026 Margaretville Central School District ballot. The referendum would allow voters in the district to approve sustainable funding for both libraries through a dedicated line item on the school tax bill, as outlined under Chapter 414 of New York State Education Law 259.
If approved, funding for both libraries would cost taxpayers 16 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value — approximately $35 to $55 per household annually. For most taxpayers, this equates to about $1 per week. Of the 42 member libraries in the Four County Library System, 35 of those are currently financially supported in this manner. Funding through a public vote on a tax levy is widely recommended for libraries, as it establishes a direct relationship between the library and taxpayers, ensuring accountability and transparency. Additionally, it ensures that libraries can rely on stable, adequate funding to support their operations and programming.
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