For More Information:
Kevin D. Fish, Budget Director, (845) 486-2010
For Immediate Release
October 22, 2002
Poughkeepsie…In
a letter mailed Monday, October 28, 2002 from Dutchess County Budget Director
Kevin D. Fish, local libraries have learned that as a result of the required
diversion of county money to the Albany-imposed mandated Medicaid program, the
capability for county government to continue local library grants no longer
exists -- thereby making county grants for community libraries the first
announced 2003 budget casualty.
Fish said, “It is with
sincere regret and disappointment I must inform you county funds for local
programs like libraries will have to be diverted to pay for these Albany-imposed
mandates. Therefore, the Dutchess County 2003 tentative budget will be unable
to continue our county grants for local libraries.”
According to Fish this
difficult decision was made knowing there are several library districts within
the county that retain independent taxing authority and are able to raise their
own operating monies. This is an alternative option for local libraries and in
fact is a more reliable permanent revenue source. He also pointed out the
option exists for local libraries currently not part of a district to create a
new independent and more stable guaranteed source of long-term funding where
local residents can decide directly the level of financial support they want to
provide their neighborhood libraries.
Fish concluded, “We felt it
important that you have maximum time available to begin exploring these options
and/or alternative funding relationships, again should that be your choice.”
The letter was also copied to Supervisors and Mayors of towns, villages and cities recognizing their libraries may request local assistance for those local community libraries.
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