The Great Neck Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved its 2026–27 budget on Tuesday, April 21, advancing a plan that raises the library portion of the tax levy by 3.62%.
The adopted budget totals about $11.5 million, an increase of roughly $473,000, or 4.29%, over the current year, according to budget documents . The increase is largely driven by rising personnel-related costs, particularly employee benefits and taxes, which are projected to climb 13.78%, or about $347,000.
Libraryofficials said those increases stem primarily from higher retirement system contributions and health insurance premiums—costs that are largely outside the library’s control. Salaries, by comparison, are set to rise modestly by about $46,000, or 0.9%, the documents show .
The spending plan does not include potential salary adjustments tied to the library’s collective bargaining agreement, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. Budget materials state there is “no realistic way to predict” the outcome of upcoming negotiations, and therefore no funding has been set aside for possible increases .
In a written response to questions, Assistant Director Kat Baumgartner confirmed the board’s vote was unanimous and emphasized that services would continue to reflect community demand.
“Our programs, collection, and service hours — including the recent expansion of Sunday hours — are a direct reflection of the community’s needs and interests,” Baumgartner said, adding that both direct feedback and usage data help guide spending decisions.
The budget maintains funding for materials and programming at just over $1 million, a 4.17% increase, while administrative expenses are projected to decrease slightly.
The proposal also relies on approximately $451,000 in appropriated fund balance—an increase from the prior year—to help close the gap between revenues and expenses .
Library officials did not provide additional detail on how potential future labor costs would be managed if contract negotiations result in higher salaries.
The tax levy increase remains within New York State’s tax cap limits and does not override the cap, according to budget filings.
Source: LI Press
