Annual Reports and Library Tax Levy Ballot Proposition

Background on the library’s funding
The Tully Free Library is an association library that first opened its doors on May 15, 1935, and was provisionally chartered by the New York State Education Department in November, 1936. It received its permanent charter in 1967. The charter designates a service area spread over 82 square miles and covering the Tully Central School District.

There are four types of libraries in New York (association, municipal, school district and special district libraries). Library type depends on how the library was established, which in turn dictates how it is governed and able to raise funds. In order to receive sustainable local public support, association libraries can ask residents of a school district or municipality for funding by ballot proposition, which is approved by majority vote.

Library budget ballot proposition overview
Residents of the Tully Central School District vote each year in May to provide an annual levy to support library operations. The library’s proposition is unrelated to the school budget. New York State gives residents a direct say in local library funding through the school district vote, but the budgets are separate. The district merely collects funds approved by the voters and disburses them to the library. School taxes fund the schools, and library taxes fund the library.

Library proposition on 2023 ballot
The following proposition will be on the Tully Central School District annual budget vote, held at the Elementary school from 6 AM - 9 PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2023: For the purpose of funding the Tully Free Library, shall the sum of Two Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred Forty-Four Dollars ($222,944) be raised by annual levy of a tax upon the taxable real property within the Tully Central School District?

The proposition is for the library’s 2024 budget. This is an increase totaling $6,494 from the previous year. These funds will help support the library’s services and are not for use in capital projects.

Why the library relies on public funding
Community-based public funding has been vital for the Tully Free Library, making it possible for us to be open more hours, increase our programming, and add to our in-house and digital collection. Surrounding libraries in Onondaga County request and receive regular increases in public funding to help offset increased expenses.

In addition to public support, the library relies on income from fundraising, donations, state aid, and investments to meet our needs.

 

Annual Reports to the Community