Marlboro Free Library – Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, N.Y.
Residents of the Marlboro Central School District will have the opportunity to vote in the Marlboro Free Library’s Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election on May 19, 2026, 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., at the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY. The Library’s budget and trustee election will appear on the District’s ballot.
The Library is proposing a 2026–2027 operating tax levy of $997,294.00, a 5.29% increase, with a total proposed budget of $1,043,542.00. The Library last requested a budget increase in 2023.
Two open vacancies for the Library’s Board of Trustees will also appear on the ballot. The vacancies have occurred due to the expiration of two incumbent trustees’ terms. 2026-2027 candidates are Thea James & Denise Garofalo.
Factors Affecting the Proposed Budget
The proposed increase is not related to the Library’s construction project. The project was funded through more than $1.4 million in New York State Aid for Library Construction grants, private donations, and the Library’s Reserve Building Fund, supported by long-term planning by prior directors and trustees. The Library has remained open with modified hours during construction.
Like many institutions, the Library is experiencing rising operational costs. Key factors include:
- Loss of Danskammer PILOT funds
The expiration of this funding created a revenue shortfall that must now be absorbed within the Library’s operating budget.
- Increased audit and compliance costs
The Library continues to receive clean audits. Updated auditing standards and rising professional fees have increased the cost of required financial oversight and compliance.
- Rising insurance expenses
Health insurance and building insurance premiums costs continue to increase annually.
- Higher digital material costs
Demand for eBooks and audiobooks continues to grow. Unlike physical books, digital materials require ongoing licensing fees to maintain access, and these costs increase regularly.
- Increasing technology and software costs
Many essential software systems used by the Library have shifted from one-time purchases to ongoing subscription models, increasing annual operating costs.
- Rising costs for everyday supplies and utilities
Operational expenses such as postage, programming supplies, and utilities continue to increase. The Library seeks grants when possible to support programming and services.
Where Your Library Dollars Go
Library funding supports services and resources available to district residents, including:
- Materials and Resources
- Books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, museum passes, WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, and online research tools.
- Programs and Services
- Programs for all ages, including early literacy programs, author visits, technology assistance, passport and notary services, and community events.
- Technology Access
- Public computers, printing, scanning, copying, free WiFi access, and digital resources such as databases, streaming services, online learning platforms, and local history preservation.
- Facilities and Operations
- Building operations, maintenance, insurance, and essential supplies.
- Staffing and Public Access
- Library staff for a wide range of operating hours that provide access to services and resources for District residents.