MILLBROOK — A proposal to increase the Millbrook Library’s annual funding by $50,000 to support its daily operations was the subject of two information sessions, ahead of a vote on the resolution set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The information sessions were held at the library on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and Friday, Sept. 25. If approved, the annual operating budget for the library would increase from a total of $349,000 to $399,000, the total that supports daily operations.
Library Board member Albert Yoon reviewed the details of the proposed increase at the Sept. 25, information session. At the outset, he distinguished between this proposal and the capital building repairs project expected to cost $2 million for roof repairs and HVAC system replacement. The funding for that project is already secured through state grant funding and a court-approved use of the library’s private trust.
“We have been running a deficit for years,” Yoon said of the need to increase the operations budget for the library. He explained that the income stream is unpredictable, relying on inconsistent donations and other inconsistent sources.
“We need sustainable funding,” Yoon added. “You don’t want donations to need to support the library’s operating budget.”
As to why it is needed, Yoon said that demand for library services has grown over the past five years. More than 15,645 people visited the library in 2025, Yoon said.
Thinking that $50,000 would be a palatable increase in the views of residents to meet the annual deficit, Yoon noted that the deficit has been brought about by an increased demand for services. Recent local opinion polling has shown that residents are asking for expanded library hours, for example.
To place the proposed increase in perspective, Yoon reported that if a property owner’s home is assessed at $250,000, for example, that homeowners annual tax bill for 2027 would increase by $8.16. If assessed at $500,000, the bill would increase by $16.32.
“Most people know what the Millbrook Library provides. We need every Town of Washington and Millbrook voter to vote on November 3,” Yoon said.
For more information about the budget resolution, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org.
Photo by Graham Corrigan
