East Hampton Library budget heads to voters Sept. 19 with modest tax increase

The East Hampton Library district will hold a budget vote on Saturday, Sept. 19, asking residents in East Hampton, Springs and Wainscott to approve a $4,120,000 proposal, the program reported.

Host Christine Sampson said the proposed levy represents an approximate 3.6% increase — about $7.26 for the average household — and noted a newly added $22,500 for expanded programs for library patrons. The broadcast also cited roughly $300,000 in private fundraising this summer, an amount the library director, Dennis Vabczak, said "significantly reduced the necessary contributions by taxpayers to operate the library." (Dennis Vabczak, SEG 126–128)

A public hearing on the budget was announced for Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. in the library board room for residents who wish to ask questions and hear details. The report did not record a formal discussion or vote on the program within the broadcast itself.