The Massena Public Library vote to transition into a school district will be decided on June 9, 2020.

I have come to the conclusion that we are going to pay at minimum 1.53 million dollars over 10 years to duplicate several programs and services currently offered by the Town of Massena.

It is hard for me to fathom paying for something twice, it defies common sense.

The community center on Beach St offers a large kitchen for rent and hosts sewing events among other activities.

The Department of Labor just down the street from the library has a variety of services to assist employment seekers. Yoga is held in various locations in Massena, this is not a library exclusive, rather a duplication.

I have met with several of our elderly population who have not had an increase in retirement benefits for quite some time and the money they get does not go quite as far. My concern is that while our elderly are deciding whether to choose between paying their taxes and getting prescription medication, the last thing they need is another tax to pay.

In researching the facts the majority of the libraries budget, approximately 84% goes to salaries and benefits for the employees.

This is hefty chunk of change. The other approximately 16% goes to operations and maintenance.

If the proposed district is formed, the library will spend $58,000 a month to expand and grow the services of the library, many of which are a duplication.

Please Join me in voting no on Proposition One on the back of the school budget vote.

Thomas Murray

Louisville