Nanuet Library Budget To Override Tax Cap

With the weather warming up, the Nanuet Library is looking toward to summer with some concern. All three air conditioning units on the roof are past their life expectancy and one of the three is malfunctioning.

Back in January, the Nanuet Library board approved the replacement of the units. The project's cost is about $120,600, with $29,000 as the fee for Savin and the vote passed 3-2.

Because the library is a school district library, it needs to get approval from the Nanuet School Board, which it did at the March 5 Nanuet Board of Education meeting.

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has been advised by the library’s consultants, Savin Engineers, that the proposed air conditioning replacements does not exceed any of the thresholds of a SEQRA Type II action,  and

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Nanuet Union Free School District, as the involved agency principally responsible for the proposed library air conditioner replacement project, declares itself the lead agency in the SEQRA process.

2. The Nanuet Union Free School District, as lead agency in the SEQRA review of the proposed library air conditioner replacement project, declares that the project is a Type II action under 6 NYCRR 617.5, which will not have a significant impact on the environment and is not subject to further SEQRA review.

Because of this costly project, the Nanuet Library is looking to exceed the tax cap by approximately $225,000 or 10 to 11 percent. Board Member Tim Donnelly explained this necessary budget move in his recent Patch blog post.

"This is due to the library's problems with the air conditioners and several other issues that need to be worked on," said Donnelly in his post. "As I have stated in previous blogs, the Library was originally looking to raising a bond for $19 million to build a new building, however with the economy the way its been for so long, we didn’t think it prudent to put out a $19 million bond at this point in time. We are looking to a more modest approach of upgrading and reorganizing the current facilities.   So, instead of a $19 million bond, we are looking increase the taxes by $225,000 and get some additional life out of the current structure while making improvements over the next 5 years."  

He continues by listing some of the upcoming improvements:

• a new air conditioning system (the current ones must be replaced due to age, and one uses an old refrigerant that is being phased out)
• bathroom rejuvenation
• looking to optimize space usage in the library
• updating the tables /seating
• updating the parking lot and some exterior grounds work

Related Patch Posts:

• Nanuet Library Approves Costly HVAC Project
• Nanuet Library HVAC Project to Cost $120K