In addition to votes on the 2008-09 Roslyn School District budget, Board of Education trustees, and a proposition on Capital Reserve Funds, local residents, on May 20, will also vote on a 2008-09 budget for the Bryant Library.

The Bryant Library Board of Trustees approved the 2008-09 Proposed Library Budget at the April 21 annual Budget Hearing.

This year's budget proposes an increase to taxpayers of 3.45 percent and the operating budget represents a 5.83 percent increase over last year's budget. This increase enables the library to continue to provide current services and to offer, as library officials term it, "new enhancements" in technology.

The 2008-09 proposed budget is available in the May/June Bryant Library Newsletter, as well as in the library and on the library's website at www.nassaulibrary.org/bryant. The total amount raised from taxation in the proposed budget after expected revenues are $4,330,114 as opposed to last year's budget of $4,185,535.

The board is implementing EZ Labor Manager, which is a time management system. It is a change from manual to computerized record keeping for staff scheduling, time, attendance and payroll. The program is designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency, satisfy fiscal responsibility with government agencies, and to comply with auditing and accounting requirements.

The operating budget has been impacted by the high cost of fuel and utilities. The board seeks to reduce the impact of such expenses by:

• Obtaining a $6,100 NYS Construction Aid grant to help defray the costs of our energy bills.

• Partnering with Friends of Bryant Library who support the library with services, equipment and materials not ordinarily provided through tax dollars. Contributions to the Friends are tax deductible.

• Partnering with other institutions to lower the cost of programs and services.

• Purchasing cooperatively with the Nassau Libraries. The Nassau Digital Doorway Consortium will save the library $18,600 annually.

Monday, April 21 was the deadline for prospective candidates to file for the May 20 Board of Education races in the Roslyn School District. However, unlike previous years no prospective candidates filed to challenge the two incumbents up for re-election this year. And so, those incumbents, Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy and Clifford Saffron, will be the only names on the ballot for the May 20 Board of Education elections. The Roslyn Board of Education will hold a Public Business Meeting and Public Budget Hearing on Thursday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. in the Administration Building Board Room. The agenda will be posted at wwwroslynschools.org.

At its April 10 meeting, the BOE unanimously adopted a 2008-09 budget, one that will be placed on the ballot for the May 20 elections. The proposed 2008-09 budget, according to school district officials, totals $94,178,999, itself a 4.62 percent increase over the current year. The tax levy, officials added, is projected to increase 4.90 percent with an estimated average property tax increase of 5.95 percent.

Also on May 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Friday, May 9, from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Board of Registration will meet at Roslyn High School to register additional voters who meet the qualifications to vote in the May 20 election.

The budget vote and trustee election will, as noted, take place on Tuesday, May 20 at Roslyn High School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For voter information call 625-6599.