The Manhasset Public Library annual vote and election will be held in the community room of the library between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18. Incumbent Trustee Senetta Koch is running unopposed for re-election. The board has proposed an operating budget of $2,547,427, an increase of 3.4 percent, which is just equal to the annual Consumer Price Index (cost of living) increase for the year 2000. If approved by the voters, the taxes for library service will go from $2.34 to $2.42 per hundred dollars of assessed valuation. On a house assessed at $10,000, the library tax for the family for a year will be $242.

In the budget, there is an increase of $8,463 for materials. These are videos, CDs and talking books. The book budget has been slightly decreased due to a lack of shelf space and because some reference materials are now available in electronic format.

There is a $38,000 decrease in operating expenses, mainly in custodial salaries. Equipment and supplies also show a decrease because less new equipment is needed this year and because some old equipment has been discontinued.

There is a $15,000 increase in publicity, printing and programs, due to a slight increase in program costs but primarily due to the new format of the Newsletter. The new Newsletter format is much larger, printed on better stock and easier to read, but it does cost more.

The costs in salaries, retirement, Social Security and Insurance are all mandated. Salary increases are determined by the contract agreement between the library board of trustees and the staff association. Retirement and Social Security are based on the salary figures and the library's health insurance company determines the health insurance.

There is an increase of $2,400 in administrative expenses, which includes conferences and travel for the staff, professional fees and membership dues in professional organizations.

Copies of the 2000-2001 operating budget are available at the four Manhasset Public Schools.

Once the community has voted on the budget, the library's board of trustees plans to hold further meetings with the community on proposals for a new library.