414 Vote for Library Funding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Library Funding vote?

Libraries in New York State can use Chapter 414 of the NYS Education Law to appeal to voters for tax funding for their library. The Board of Trustees of the Olive Free Library calls this a ‘414 vote’. In 2025, the Board of Trustees will ask the Town of Olive taxpayers for an increase of $96,500; from $193,142 to $289,642 annually.

How is the library currently funded?

Olive taxpayers provide the bulk of the library’s funding. The rest comes from the Olive Free Library Endowment—which we are fortunate to have—along with grants secured by staff, and fundraising activities organized by our hardworking Friends Group. Fiscal stewardship is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. It’s a careful balance to maintain an adequate funding stream to support library programs, staffing, and building maintenance.

When and where will the vote take place?

The vote will take place during the general election on November 4, 2025, and during Early Voting beginning October 25, 2025. The question will appear on the back of the ballot and will read:

“Shall the annual contribution from the Town of Olive be increased by $96,500 to $289,642 for the Olive Free Library’s 2026 operating budget?”

You’ll vote at your regular polling place on Election Day. For Early Voting, you’ll need to go one of the designated early voting sites in the county.

How much will this cost tax payers?

Currently, the average homeowner in Olive (with a home assessed at $350,000) pays $44.48 per year to support the library. If the proposed $96,500 increase is approved, the average homeowner would pay an additional $22.23 per year—less than $2 per month.

Here’s a breakdown by assessed home value:

  • $200,000 — $12.70 more per year, per household

  • $300,000 — $19.05 more per year

  • $400,000 — $25.40 more per year

  • $500,000 — $31.75 more per year

  • $600,000 — $38.10 more per year

How will the money be spent?

The additional funding will be used in three key areas:

  1. Staffing the new Shokan Branch.

  2. Supporting steady salary growth.

  3. Replacing unpredictable income from grants, gifts, and donations with stable taxpayer funding.

Over the years, we heard clearly from residents that access to library services beyond West Shokan is needed—whether through a second location, mobile services, or transportation support. After exploring many options, the Board approved a new branch in Shokan. Thanks to the support of the Olive Town Board and the American Legion Post 1627 in Shokan, we’ve been granted use of the courtroom at the Legion Hall. Renovations are underway, and we’re aiming to open in September. The new branch will bring books, internet access, and other core services closer to many residents.

Keeping our dedicated staff is a top priority. To do that, we must offer salaries that are competitive with other libraries in our system.

Currently, nearly 15% of the library’s operating budget relies on grants, gifts, and donations. This is not sustainable. Replacing those line items with reliable, taxpayer-based funding will allow us to plan responsibly and allow for uninterrupted services.

How do other towns fund their libraries?

All libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) are supported by some public funds. There are Municipal and Special District libraries that are fully supported by tax dollars. Many community libraries in MHLS, like the Olive Free Library, are Association libraries and are supported by earmarked taxes approved by voters under Chapter 414 of the NYS Education law.

What will happens if this library vote fails?

If voters do not approve the funding increase, the Board will need to revisit its plans for opening the Shokan Branch and may have to scale back goals for maintaining competitive staff salaries. Without the added taxpayer support, and if grants, gifts, and donations fall short, the Board may be forced to reduce services or make cuts elsewhere in the budget.

Thank you for taking the time to understand how the library is funded and supported!

All costs associated with this webpage have been paid for by the Friends of the Olive Free Library.