Greenport Funding Initiative

How is our library funded?

In 2023, the budget of the Library will total about $745,000. This includes expenses for library staffing, utilities, programming, and growing and maintaining the Library’s collections, including physical materials, e-resources, and historical archives. The Library’s income includes $373,000 in public funds:

  • $350,000 from Hudson
  • $15,000 from Greenport
  • about $8,000 from other government sources.

The other half of the Library’s income is raised through grants, donations, and fundraising events.

The November 2023 ballot in Greenport will contain a community-based funding initiative setting Greenport’s contribution at $85,000.

Currently, our library receives around 49% of our funding from community-based support in Hudson (47%) and Greenport (2%). If the Greenport funding initiative is approved, about 53% of our funding will come from these sources.

What is a community based funding initiative?
  • Chapter 414 of the laws of 1995 (Education Law 259(1)(b)) in New York State allows libraries to place a funding proposition on a municipal ballot.
  • Propositions for community-based funding initiatives are found on the back of the ballot during the general election in November.
  • If approved, the amount set by a funding initiative is collected by the town and contributed to the library annually.
  • The amount of the contribution, once approved, remains the same until the library brings a new funding proposition before the voters.
  • In 2022, the library’s community-based funding initiative in the City of Hudson was successful, increasing Hudson’s annual contribution for library services from $250,000 to $350,000.
  • In 2023, Greenport voters will be able to vote on a proposition to increase their annual contribution for library services.
What is on the ballot in Greenport this November?
  • Proposal three, a community-based funding proposition for the Library, will be on the back of the ballot in Greenport this November.
  • If approved, Greenport will contribute $85,000 annually to the Library, an increase of $70,000.
  • This amount will be covered by the town’s property taxes, and will add less than 13 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
  • For a home assessed at $200,000, it will cost about a cup of coffee a month to provide the library with this funding.
Sample image of Proposal Three on the back of the ballot in Greenport. The proposal reads "Shall the annual contribution of the Town of Greenport for the operating budget of the Hudson Area Association Library be $85,000 annually." Voters may fill in a circle to vote Yes or No.
Greenport voters will find Proposal three on the back of the ballot.
When and where can I vote?

2023 Election Day Schedule & Locations:

Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 6am – 9pm

On Election Day, Greenport residents vote at either Greenport Town Hall (600 Town Hall Drive) or Becraft Pumper No. 2 (257 County Route 22), depending on their voting district. Click here to find your polling location.

2023 Early Voting Locations:

Eligible voters in Columbia County can vote early at either early voting location.

  • Columbia County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534
  • Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building, 3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184

2023 Early Voting Schedule:

  • Saturday, October 28: 9am – 5pm
  • Sunday, October 29: 9am – 5pm
  • Monday, October 30: 12pm – 8pm
  • Tuesday, October 31: 9am – 5pm
  • Wednesday, November 1: 12pm – 8pm
  • Thursday, November 2: 9am – 5pm
  • Friday, November 3: 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday, November 4: 9am – 5pm
  • Sunday, November 5: 9am – 5pm