Colligan: Please support the David A. Howe Library on May 20

School budget vote will ask for additional library funding

An OPINION by Tim Colligan, Wellsville

On May 20, 2025, residents of the Wellsville Central School District will have the opportunity to vote on the 2025/2026 School Budget. Along with the budget, there will be choices for school board members, bus propositions and a proposal in support of your David A. Howe Public Library. 

    I am currently serving my third term as a Library Board member. I am often asked why I choose to serve on this board. For those that know me, I am not one to sit and do much reading. I do however, believe in this institution, all that it stands for, all the patrons we serve, and all the programs we offer. 

    To keep our library going, we have a dedicated staff of employees, volunteers, and  Library board members. In addition, Nic Gunning, our Library Board Director,  and Donald Comstock, Board President have guided us to keep this jewel of the community preserved for generations to come.

     I particularly am writing in support of :

   The main purpose for this increase is to preserve the endowment for building that Mr. Howe so graciously established almost 90 years ago. Increasing expenses of all of our fixed costs (I.e. taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.) all continue to challenge us to preserve the endowment. To that end, and in an effort to maintain and increase the services we offer, we need to increase the tax supported portion of our budget. 

   I am asking the residents of the Wellsville Central School District to become informed on both the Library budget proposal and School District  budget and most importantly, VOTE on May 20th.

I for one, will be supporting both budget proposals. I ask that you do the same.

For a better Wellsville –