FAQs for Dormann Library Tax Levy Proposal
1. What is the library asking for?
On December 1st, the Dormann Library Board of Trustees voted to propose an increase to the current tax levy to be voted on by the residents of the Bath Central School District. This proposal, if passed, would increase the library tax levy from $382,699 to $765,399.
2. Why does the library need an increase?
The Dormann Library and the residents of the Bath Central School District have been very fortunate for many years to be able to depend heavily on endowments left by charitable donors wishing to support the library. Unfortunately, due to rising operating costs and diminishing charitable gifts, the library has had to pull from its reserve fund to cover basic maintenance, utilities, wages, and insurances. These changes are not sustainable and will leave our endowment depleted if the library does not receive more public support from the community. Our library needs to increase its tax levy to continue to operate to the standards our community and our patrons have come to expect.
3. What will this increase mean for taxpayers?
A home or other property with an assessed value of $100,000 dollars is currently paying about $55.23 per year. If approved, this amount would increase to about $110.46 per year, or less than 56 cents more per $1000 of assessed valuations to support the library.
4. Will this percentage increase be the new normal?
No. As members of this same community, this increase is not something we expect—or want—to repeat. We intend this to be a one-time step to address current financial realities. Without it, the alternative would be significant service reductions. Please see our handout that discusses what will be cut if this budget does not pass. With a successful vote, we can stabilize operations and limit future increases to cost-of-living adjustments.
5. When and where will the vote take place?
The vote will take place from noon until 8:00pm on June 2nd, 2026 at the Dormann Library. We encourage all members of the school district to participate.
6. How will the library let taxpayers know about the upcoming proposal and vote?
The library has placed four ads in separate issues of the Shopper leading up to the vote to keep the community informed with important budget vote information including the current and proposed tax levy amount. The vote date and time, as well as the date and time for the Annual Budget Hearing, will also appear in our May Newsletter, on our printed calendars, our website and social media.
7. When will you present your budget changes in a public forum?
On May 26, 2026, patrons and community members are encouraged to come to our Annual Budget Hearing at 6:00pm. Anyone wishing to speak in support, raise concerns and ask questions will have time and a platform to do so. Those wishing to speak must sign up upon arrival and follow the rules of decorum, as well as the library policies. We encourage the community to come with questions.
8. How can I make my voice heard outside of the vote?
The Dormann Library Board of Directors holds board meetings several times a year, all of which are open to the public. The Board Meeting Schedule can be found on our website. Similar to our Annual Budget Hearing, these meetings offer patrons and members of the community an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns for and speak to their experiences in and about the library.
9. How can I be more involved in the library?
There are tons of ways to be more involved in the library, including: attending board meetings and events, and even volunteering. If you are part of an organization wishing to partner with the library, we are always looking to find new and exciting ways to get resources out to our community. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, feel free to call (607) 776-4613 and ask for our assistant director, Jami. She would be thrilled to be your guide to library involvement and help you find the best route for you.
10. How will the proposition appear on the ballot?
Shall the annual sum of money to be raised by taxation from
the residents of the Bath Haverling Central School District for
the Dormann Library be raised from $382,699.00 to $765,399.00
annually.
11. Does this levy increase mean the school district is asking for more money?
No, this levy is unrelated to the school district’s funding. This money is for the library, which is an entirely separate entity, although we serve the same community.
Any additional questions can be directed to LeighAnn Rumsey, Library Director or Jami Long, Assistant Director at (607) 776-4613, as well as RumseyL@STLS.org and LongJ@STLS.org respectively.