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Olive library board member previews November referendum, seeks resident input on outdoor improvements
Summary
Mary Anne Shepherd presented a quarterly update for the Olive library: septic repairs at a branch were resolved, the summer reading program is under way, the board is pursuing a 3‑year plan and is asking residents to complete a survey by Sept. 19; a November referendum would raise the library budget by 2.8% to allow smaller, steady raises.
Mary Anne Shepherd, identified as a board member with the library, presented a quarterly update during the July 14 Olive Town Board meeting.
Shepherd thanked the town supervisor and staff for promptly resolving a septic issue at the Showcam branch and reported that the summer reading program with a day camp has begun successfully. The library board is developing a three‑year long‑range plan that will include a resident survey (paper copies available in the meeting room and an online link) and hopes to finalize input by Sept. 19.
Shepherd said the board plans to put a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to approve a 2.8% increase in the library budget to allow modest annual raises rather than larger, infrequent bumps. She said the board also hopes to improve outdoor space—seeking funds from a Friends group and grants for landscaping and a gazebo so the town’s regular budget is not used.
Board response: The supervisor thanked Shepherd and the board for their work and encouraged residents to fill out the survey and support the referendum in November.
Why it matters: The referendum would change the library’s operating budget and affect local property‑tax support; the board emphasized public input before finalizing the long‑range plan.
