OGDENSBURG â A referendum to provide $350,000 in funding to the Ogdensburg Public Library passed Tuesday by a vote of almost two to one.
The referendum to provide funding to the library was unofficially 770 to 395, before any absentee ballots were counted.
âWe have a lot of work ahead of us, but weâll have stable funding and that is absolutely wonderful,â Ogdensburg Public Library Executive Director Penny J. Kerfien said.
The referendum was needed by the library because the city announced that this year was the last year it would provide funding to the library located at 312 Washington St. Library officials said it takes roughly $350,000 a year to operate the facility and to provide programming.
Voters say yes to Ogdensburg library, director offers appreciation to public
northcountrynow.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from northcountrynow.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Voters approve Ogdensburg school budget and propositions; say yes to funding library
northcountrynow.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from northcountrynow.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Saturday, May 15, 2021 - 7:19 am
BY JIMMY LAWTON
OGDENSBURG – It’s a big deal.
A proposition attached to the school budget vote set for May 18 will determine whether or not the Ogdensburg Public Library receives $225,000 in additional funding.
The decision falls squarely on voters within the Ogdensburg School District and their decision will shape the future of the city library.
The funding is intended to replace money that once came from the city budget, but will end completely in 2022.
Ogdensburg Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly has devoted his first term in office to reducing costs at the city and has been laser focused on finances and clearing a path to development of the city’s waterfront and businesses. While he says the library is important, he does not approve of how it’s been run and wants to see new leadership. He sees the May 18 vote as a referendum on the library’s leadership and path for the future.