Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

NorthEast-Millerton Library seeks budget hike

NorthEast-Millerton Library seeks budget hike

NorthEast-Millerton Library will ask voters to approve a budget increase on the Nov. 5 ballot.

John Coston

MILLERTON — The NorthEast-Millerton Library is asking voters to approve a budget increase in this November’s election.

It has been 17 years since the library last asked the voting public to approve a budget increase. “Inflation is real and prevalent in our lives still, and that, of course, affects us,” Library Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson said. According to the library’s website, “In the last several years, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with the costs and continue to offer standard and new services to the community.”

Currently, the library funds its services through a combination of tax revenue, donations and grants. Many donations are earmarked for specific projects, like the museum pass program, and grants cannot be used for operating expenses, Leo-Jameson said. To keep up with increased material and labor costs, the library planst to request an increase in tax revenue from the community.

The board of elections has received the necessary signatures from community members for the revenue increase vote to move forward. Next, the library will meet with the town’s supervisor to hammer out the details of the budget increase.

How much the library will receive will depend on what is approved for and can vary based on different assessments. The revenue it does receive will support salaries, cover the cost of printed and digital materials in the library, pay for maintenance and other operating expenses, according to the library website.

A tax revenue increase will not result in a new charge on residents, but it will increase the existing library tax slightly. The exact amount that residents’ taxes will increase depends on the value of their homes. “For every $100,000 that your house is valued we will have it broken down,” Leo-Jameson said. Residents can find that breakdown on the library’s website once the proposal is ready.

The library has once again requested a federal SAM grant of $125,000, which would be used to restore the Annex. The library has been requesting the grant since 2020 but has been struggling to get accurate estimates of how much the renovations would cost.

“We have cut expenses and found more efficient ways to operate, but that can only go so far,” according to the NorthEast-Millerton Library’s website. “The only options left to us is for the library to start cutting services, whether that is shortening hours, purchasing less materials, and cutting programs. We will be looking at all available options.”

For information, go to www.nemillertonlibrary.org/414-vote

Latest News

Thai tea shop venture delayed over septic approvals

Kanchisar Jiradhanaiphat, left, and John Schildbach plan to open Muanjai Tea on Main Street in Millerton in early July.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — The opening of a proposed Thai tea shop on Main Street has been delayed while owners await approval from the Dutchess County Department of Health.

John Schildbach, who plans to open the shop with his wife, Kanchisar Jiradhanaiphat, in the former Candy-O’s space, said plans to include seating have complicated the approval process because of the building’s existing septic system.

Keep ReadingShow less

Anita L. Gochey

Anita L. Gochey

CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.

Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.

Keep ReadingShow less
NECC pilot program places a renewed emphasis on community-building

Carol Kneeland, left, Cyndhia Valle, center, and Irene Banning knit together on North East Community Center’s back porch during the first “Community Porch Party” on Wednesday, June 3.

Photo By Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — A new pilot program at the North East Community Center aims to bring in community members for chill hangs at the nonprofit’s office on South Center Street this summer.

The weekly “Community Porch Party” is an evolution of senior administrative assistant Ash Baldwin’s “Craft Collective,” which invited community members to enjoy a group crafting session where participants were encouraged to bring individual projects, swap tips and be together. The gathering on Wednesday, June 3, and the preceding “Craft Collective” meetings are part of a broader effort to provide accessible, community-building programming.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Amenia Water Committee explores online payments
Amenia Town Hall on Route 22.
Photo by Nathan Miller

AMENIA — The Water Committee is exploring options to allow municipal water customers to pay their bills online and by credit card.

Responding to customer interest in additional payment options, the committee discussed potential billing software upgrades during its regular meeting Wednesday, June 3.

Keep ReadingShow less

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu

SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.

Keep ReadingShow less

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

Celebration of Life — Jim Dresser

A Celebration of Jim Dresser’s Life

Saturday, July 18, 12 – 3 p.m. At Hill Acre Camp on Mt. Riga, Salisbury, CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.