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Community Corner

Three Village Voters Approve Library Budget

The proposed 2012 budget passed Wednesday night by a tally of 323 to 71.

The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library's proposed 2012 budget was passed Wednesday night by a tally of 323 to 71.

According to library director Ted Gutmann, the percentage of 'yes' votes was slightly greater than in previous years. The overall voter turnout was similar to the past several years. Out of the votes, 79 were absentee ballots.

"It's a good sign to us that our community supports us," Gutmann said. "We're here to serve them. We've got the means to do it now and we look forward to another year."

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The tax appropriation of $4,638,844 represents about a 3 percent increase over the 2011 tax appropriation. The new budget will provide an increase in funding for facilities maintenance, insurance and mandated benefits. Funds remain the same for adult, young adult and children’s programs as well as for new equipment and software.

On Wednesday, some who voted 'yes' for the budget sung the library's praises.

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“I am in favor of the budget because I love this library,” said Maria Hoffman of Setauket. “I come to it every week. It’s the one budget I actually enjoy voting for.”

John Sansona of Stony Brook said he would gladly pay more taxes to support the library.

"I voted to approve the budget because this library is actually something we should put money into," said John Sansona of Stony Brook. "This library is a big part of this town."

Not all were supportive, however.

One voter – who declined to provide a name – said, "I don't know why I'd spend any money to keep a library when we have the Internet and everything’s on Kindles."

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