The Finkelstein Memorial Library held its annual public budget hearing on Wednesday April 29, unveiling a proposed 2026–2027 spending plan that includes a 4.5% tax levy increase, drawing significant public attention amid broader concerns over governance, transparency, and an ongoing dispute surrounding the trustee election.
While the budget itself reflects a modest financial impact, approximately $12 more per year for the average homeowner with a $250,000 assessment, the process leading up to its approval has sparked debate. Prior to the vote, the library’s Finance Committee attempted a detailed review of the budget but was informed that committee meetings had been suspended by board leadership. Despite the absence of key administrative officials, committee members proceeded with their review and submitted concerns to the board, though an effort to formally include those findings in the meeting agenda was voted down. The 4.5% increase was ultimately approved at a special meeting, with Trustees Esther Waldman and Yossi Rubinstein casting dissenting votes, citing concerns over lack of input and transparency.
During the hearing, Business Manager Andrew Koblick explained that the increase exceeds the state tax cap but is necessary to address years of lagging budgets, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the library operates at roughly one-third the per-capita spending level of other Rockland County libraries. Library Director Laura Wolven added that the proposed budget incorporates feedback from a recent patron survey, including expanded children’s programming and the return of music and makerspace offerings.
Residents raised a range of concerns during the public comment session, including questions about consecutive above-cap increases in recent years, staffing costs, and the need for greater transparency in employee salaries and work hours. Officials stated that such information is available upon request and through public databases like SeeThroughNY. Additional requests were made for usage and foot traffic data, which library leadership said would be published online. Officials also highlighted the library’s broad range of services, including virtual court access, social services support, and community programming, serving approximately 50,000 residents annually.
If the budget is voted down on May 12, a second vote will be held in late June. Should that also fail, the library would revert to the prior year’s budget, which officials say could result in reduced hours and services.
Adding to the complexity of the upcoming vote is a legal challenge tied to the trustee election. Candidates, including Moshe Dear, Marie Medjine Antoine, and incumbent Joan Soskin, addressed attendees at the hearing. However, controversy arose after the library reportedly reduced the number of available trustee seats from two to one following a charter interpretation. Candidate Ariel Dahan has filed an appeal with the New York State Commissioner of Education, arguing the change may violate state law and limit voter representation. A decision on the matter remains pending.
Voting is scheduled for May 12, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.
