The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education heard Tuesday a presentation by Library Executive Director Tress Williams.

Wiliams noted that currently, the library receives $350,000 in taxpayer support that was approved in 2020.

“We work hand in hand with the (Jamestown Public) schools, providing tours, and story times, MakerSpace programming, outreach visits … and of course, providing access to educational spaces, technology and materials for students, families, and teachers,” Williams said.

Williams noted the $70,000 translates to a 20 percent increase in funding to $420,000 per year. For residents whose assessed property value is $100,000, the current cost is $23.50 per year. The proposed increase of $4.70 per year would bring the cost to $28.20 per year.

From left, Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education member John Panebianco, Vice President Joe Pawelski, and President Paul Abbot look over district documents Tuesday. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Williams told board members that since 2020, the library is busier with increased library visits, program attendance, and more use of materials, technology, and meeting rooms. She added the library welcomed an average of 400 people each day in 2025, with annual visits increasing from 72,000 in 2021 to 112,000 in 2025.

“Despite this increased traffic, we have not sought an increase in funding since, even as the costs of maintaining the library’s building and collection have gone up,” Williams said.

The executive director noted that the library is funded with multiple revenue streams to keep taxpayer costs down.

She said in 2026 the library is applying for $190,000 in local grants; the library is aiming to raise $91,000 through fund raisers and donations that include the Community Block Party, and daily book sale; and the library draws on its endowment each year to maintain a low tax rate. The endowment, Williams said, will provide 37.5 percent ($501,283) of the library’s budget. Other funding sources include state and county funding, and library fees.

Via a public 259 vote, the budget proposition will be included on the JPS school budget vote on May 19.

According to nysl.nysed.gov, education law 259 in New York State allows libraries – in particular – municipal and association libraries the opportunity for a public vote on funding for the library.

“The school budget and the library budget are two separate things, and under New York state law, the library must put their budget on the school budget’s ballot,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said.

In other business:

The board approved a tentative 5-year agreement with the Association of Jamestown Paraprofessionals. The effective dates are from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.

As part of the agreement, all paraprofessionals are entitled to longevity increases: at one year – $300; at five years – $1,000; at 10 years – $1,100; at 15 years – $1,300; at 20 years – $1,400; at 25 years – $1,500; and at 30 years – $2,000. Longevity will be paid in a lump sum in December of each year.