So we are willing to pay an 8.1 percent increase for the library but 5% for the school budget is too much?

There is a big difference between $80K and $3 million! It's simple math, for the Library ($1,000,000 X 8% = $80,000) For the School District ($60,000,000 X 5% = $3,000,000). Thank you to everyone who excercised their right to vote yesterday.

Either nobody much cares that there's an $80,000 increase in the library budget or they're too lazy to get out and vote. I suspect it's the latter. Yes, I know a certain number of fixed-budget seniors don't have the luxury of mobility, but I should think that if enough of the oldsters cared--and I say that at age 75, having voted -for- the new budget--they could get themselves to the library to vote.

The same thing will happen with the school-budget vote, but in that case not because of voter apathy but because there's a substantial and relatively well-organized bloc of parents, teachers, retired teachers, school-district staff and others who can be counted on to organize (at least to the extent of sending e-mails and making phone calls) and get out the vote.

The seniors, unfortunately--short of AARP--aren't organized.

I need justification of salaries and benefits of $685,419 for a small library. Would love to see that breakdown.

I agree with Mr. Wilkinson and Ms. Faine. It's amazing with the use of the internet students don't need to come to the library as often. Heck, you can rent a library book via internet for 20 days. Save a tree and gas! While so many people are taking cuts in salary or losing their jobs our little Library has taken an increase. Please don't give me its only $15 per household it seems its always only some amount which in the end adds up.

I also agree with Ms Faine- all that salary and no volunteers. Someone I know offered to volunteer and was told they don't have volunteers working in the library. The friends of the library is totally separate. Wish more people voted no like I did.