Board members express concerns over proposed 10% library increase; plan to speak as community members

Board member Jerry raised concerns March 4 after visiting the Honeoye Public Library and said library leaders were seeking a 10% increase (presented as $18,000). Jerry said a 4–5% increase would be more reasonable and asked whether the board would authorize him to speak on their behalf at the library’s meeting.

Several board members pushed back on speaking for the board. One member said the library’s ballot proposition is independent and community members will vote individually; another said the library provides important services and the request may reflect genuine need. Karen (board member) and others agreed the 10% request looked high compared with district budget constraints.

Jerry also recounted a prior statement he recalled from library leadership — that a previous increase "should be good to last us for 5 years" — which other board members said they remembered differently. That prior statement was discussed but not resolved; members characterized it as a recollection rather than a verified fact.

The board generally concluded it would not offer formal endorsement of a 10% increase but that individual members could speak and vote in their capacity as community members. Jerry said he would attend the library meeting to give his opinion as a community member, not as a board representative.

No formal board vote or action was taken on the library request at this meeting.