The Westbury Memorial Public Library is proposing a $2,202,925 budget for 2003-2004, a $141,625 or a 4.8 percent increase over the current year's budget of $2,061,300.

With $84,750 from non-tax revenues and $226,115 from appropriated funds, the balance to be raised by taxes is $1,892,059. As a result, an increase of $.92 per month or $11.04 per year - for a total tax bill of $250.73 - has been proposed. For 2002-2003, the annual tax bill was $239.69. (Please note: All amounts for the 2003-2004 were calculated prior to the reassessment and are subject to change.)

Included in the proposed budget is a $13,000 increase for enhancement of library materials such as books, audiovisuals, DVDs and programs. At the same time, costs for periodicals, maintenance, utilities, supplies, equipment, printing, phones and postage have either held or decreased. Increases will also occur in salaries for staff and retirement and insurance expenses as rates are dictated by the economy.

A library budget hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

Voting on the Westbury Memorial Public Library's 2003-2004 budget and election of trustee will take place on Tuesday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. To vote, one must be 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the district for at least 30 days and registered to vote in Nassau County or school elections.

For more information, call the Westbury Memorial Public Library at 333-0176.