There are, apparently, no exceptions to the list of public services and resources that are being forced to tighten their proverbial belts due to the significant recent shortfalls in New York State funding. Marbletown's historic Stone Ridge Library, once buoyed by more comprehensive state subsidies, faces its own challenges in meeting its operating budget. Yet, as opposed to higher-profile issues, such as school district budgets or highway services, comparatively few are apprised of the Library's continuing situation, and fewer still involved in the voting. This year's balloting will take place at the Library on Main Street (route 209) in Stone Ridge, from 2 p.m. through 8 p.m., on Monday, August 9. All registered voters throughout the Town of Marbletown are invited to participate.

The proposed budget increase is the first one suggested since 2008, and represents a 5.5% lift to $229,612, from the previous budget of $217,642.

"We are doing everything we can to use our money wisely," says Library Director Jody Ford. "Unfortunately, expenses are going up, and we are being forced to pay for services that used to be funded."

Ford cites that many other libraries, like Stone Ridge, that are members of the Mid-Hudson Library System, face the same plight. Since the year 2000, the Stone Ridge Library has been designated as a "Special District Library," which signifies that the majority of funding comes via taxes from town property owners, with additional funding coming to the library from the Mid-Hudson system, which has consistently had its State funding cut over the last several years.

Of note in this situation is that, as opposed to record turnouts for budget voting — such as in this year's highly scrutinized Rondout Valley Central School District budget battle — the Stone Ridge Library's vote enjoys very sparse participation. Ford estimates that last year's balloting tallied fewer than 100 total votes. Absentee voting is, however, available as well. Absentee ballots are available at the library, and must be submitted by the close of business on August 9.

Suzanne Hapsburg, Board of Trustees President, is quoted on the library's website noting that that the 5.5 percent proposed increase is markedly less than the nearly 15 percent which was approved in 2008. Town of Marbletown Assessor Barbara Galloway estimates that a "typical" home, valued at $250,000, would see a rise of $2.88 if the budget is approved, bringing that total average library-related tax burden to $58.86. Ford said, however, that the budget in question is completely separate from renovation efforts which are currently being planned for the two historic buildings that house the library; that process is being managed by the Stone Ridge Library Foundation. The expenses in question are the very basics, such as utilities and books.

Also to be decided on the 9 are the reelection of three incumbent members of the Board of Trustees: Stephen MacDonald, Judith Schneller and Shelley Wyant. No challengers have added their names to the ballot.

For more information about the election, or the budget, please contact Library Director Jody Ford at (845) 687-7023 or Suzanne Hauspurg at (845) 687-0736, or visit the library online at www.stoneridgelibrary.org.