Bridgehampton Library Vote Is Saturday

The Hampton Library in Bridgehampton will float a proposed 2018 budget on Saturday that is asking for less in library taxes than the year before. Those registered to vote in the Bridgehampton and Sagaponack School Districts are eligible to cast ballots between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The proposed budget is for a total of $1,293,300, which is $373,800 less than the current budget. While the total operating expenses increase by $186,200, the debt service for the 2009 building renovation and expansion has been eliminated from next year’s budget because it will be paid off in December.

“Thanks to fund-raising efforts and the support of the community, this is 10 years earlier than the 20-year debt service approved by voters in 2007,” according to the library’s newsletter.

For a house assessed at $1 million for the 2016-17 year, the library’s share of property taxes would have been $141.60. Under the proposed budget, it would decrease by $31.71, to $109.89 for the year.

Also on the ballot, Louise Collins, the board president, Jackie Poole, the treasurer, and John Vendetti are up for re-election. They all represent Bridgehampton. Absentee ballots are available in the library director’s office or at the reference desk.