Permanent budget increase for NorthEast-Millerton Library on the ballot Nov. 5

Permanent budget increase for NorthEast-Millerton Library on the ballot Nov. 5

NorthEast-Millerton Library.

John Coston

MILLERTON — The NorthEast-Millerton Library Board of Trustees aims to secure a $50,000 tax revenue increase on election day with a new 414 budget vote.

Currently, the library receives $125,000 annually in tax revenue after its last budget vote in 2007. The Town of North East has been donating an additional $50,000 every year since 2019 to the library. However, those yearly donations are not a reliable source of income.

According to the library’s website, the additional funds could cease if other budgetary needs arise or the administration deems in necessary. The budget vote this year will secure the $50,000 for the library every year forward.

“Our operating budget does [rely on the 414 income], you know, we have grants and donations and we do fundraising,” library Board of Trustees President Debbie Ruppel said. “That helps support other things, but programming, our salaries, our day to day expenses of running a building all come from the money that the town pays us.”

The library funds its services through a combination of tax revenue, donations and grants, yet some of these bring complications. Many contributions are earmarked for specific projects and many grants cannot be used for operating expenses, leaving labor costs and materials up to their tax revenue.

“Minimum wage went up so all of our employees had to have raises,” Ruppel said. “We honestly feel like we underpay; they make a decent salary, but we wish we could give them more. We have a wonderful director, and we wish we could support her better. We give no health benefits. Fortunately, the people who work for us have benefits through a spouse.”

This will not cost taxpayers any more money, as the Library Board of Trustees does not have the authority to raise taxes. According to the website, after the additional money is secured, the total tax revenues supplied to the library will remain consistent every year.

Latest News

Back to school
Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.


Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton’s Demitasse shutters Main Street storefront, goes digital

Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.

Photo by Hayden McIntosh Geer

MILLERTON — Some might have argued that launching an in-person retail business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t advisable. But against all odds, Demitasse in Millerton managed not only to build a thriving, mission-based brand in a small storefront on Main Street, it developed a loyal customer base and provided a welcoming space for visitors. Last week, Demitasse announced it is closing-up shop and moving fully online.

“We are excited,” said owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, who opened Demitasse with her husband, Richard, in 2020. “Though we will miss our customers and the camaraderie on Main Street, it feels right and there was no second guessing.”

Keep ReadingShow less
New Millerton police cruisers arrive to replace fire-ravaged vehicles

Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Police Department has received two new patrol cars to replace vehicles destroyed in the February 2025 fire at the Village Water and Highway Department.

The new Ford Interceptors are custom-built for law enforcement. “They’re more rugged than a Ford Explorer,” said Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik, noting the all-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension and larger tires and engine. “They call it the ‘Police Package.’”

Keep ReadingShow less
Fashion Feeds on track to raise $100,000 for Food of Life Food Pantry

Erin Rollins of Millbrook in the Fashion Feed booth, open year round, at the Millbrook Antiques Mall. All proceeds from Fashion Feeds go to the Food of Life Pantry.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLBROOK – In a time when optimism and unity can feel elusive, sometimes a walk down Franklin Avenue is enough to feed the soul. With Millbrook Community Day just around the corner, one highlight will be Fashion Feeds, a community effort led by Millbrook native Erin Rollins, whose mission is to fight local hunger.

The concept is simple. People donate new or gently used designer fashion, which is sold at affordable prices, and all proceeds benefit The Food of Life/Comida de Vida Pantry at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia.

Keep ReadingShow less