Sag Library Vote Is Monday

A John Jermain Memorial Library board election and vote on the library’s 2015 budget will be held Monday in Sag Harbor.

Six are running for three seats, each three-year terms starting Jan. 1. Jackie Brody, who now serves as board secretary, and Ann Lieber want to keep their seats, while Caleb Kercheval, Anne Sutphen, Susan Sabin, and Robert Hooke are challenging them. Tony Spitz, an incumbent, is not seeking re-election.

Catherine Creedon, the library’s director, said all of the candidates are active users of library services, programs, and collections. “All have shown continued interest in the library’s future in the ‘new’ building,” she said.

The board is proposing an approximate $2.4 million budget for 2015, which includes an operating budget and $905,000 in annual debt service approved in 2009 for the renovations and expansion of the 1910 building. The figure represents a 5.8-percent increase from the current budget, a $128,723 increase over all. Taxpayers can expect a $12 rise in their tax bills.

The budget is going up because of the higher cost of health insurance and unemployment insurance, an increase in the costs of books and materials, new digital resources, and expanded programming for families and senior citizens.

The library expects to generate $51,724 in income.

The vote will take place at the library’s temporary home at 34 West Water Street from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.