By Davy James, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — The Jamesburg Public Library was saved by the public on Tuesday, as voters chose to continue municipal funding to keep the library open.
The referendum to discontinue funding, maintenance and control of the library was defeated by a margin of 959 to 564.
”We want to thank the people of Jamesburg for coming out, voting and getting behind something they believe in,” said Carole Hetzell, president of the library board of trustees. “This proves the people of Jamesburg want a community center that’s available to everybody.”
Had a referendum to end municipal funding of the library passed, the borough would have entered into an interlocal arrangement with Monroe for full use and privileges of the Monroe Township Library for all Jamesburg residents.
Borough officials said the vote was a clear mandate from the citizens of Jamesburg.
”I’m disappointed because the mayor’s proposal was terrific and good for Jamesburg,” said Councilman Otto Kostbar. “But this was pure democracy and it was the people of Jamesburg telling us they want to keep the library and they’re willing to pay taxes to support it.”
Borough officials estimated Jamesburg would have saved approximately $30,000 had the public voted to discontinue funding. The library will receive $185,614 from the borough as part of the 2008 budget. Mr. Kostbar said he estimates the 2009 library budget to be approximately $200,000.
Mayor Anthony LaMantia said having the library included in next year’s budget will affect services the borough is able to offer.
”We’re going to have to make some major decisions with the 2009 budget,” Mayor LaMantia said. “We’re going to have to make some cuts, with some services modified or taken away. The budget situation for 2009 is not great and we don’t know where we stand with finances from the state yet.”
Mr. Kostbar said areas that would possibly face cuts include recreation and garbage pickup.
Library officials were angered by a flier mailed to all Jamesburg residents by the borough last week that explained the services offered by Monroe’s library.
”It just listed all of the benefits of belonging to the Monroe library and never mentioned how much it would cost and how long the contract was for,” Ms. Hetzell said. “They sent this to each household on taxpayer money and that angers a lot of people.”
Mr. Kostbar said the cost of the mailer was only for postage and photocopying fliers but was unsure of the exact cost of the mailing. Mayor LaMantia said the fliers were part of making sure the public was properly informed in order to vote on the issue.
”There was nothing on the mailing telling people to vote yes or no,” Mayor LaMantia said. “It just said this is what we’re offering you. We have to inform the people of what’s going on and that is our obligation. If we feel the public needs to be notified, then we mail a flier to the people.”
Voters on Tuesday who said they supported eliminating library funding said they were hesitant to do so.
”I have mixed feelings about it because I’d like to see the library stay,” said resident Virginia Dare. “But I like the Monroe library more and it’s a better deal with taxes, so I’m voting against funding the library, regretfully.”
Other voters said the main reason they voted at all was to save the library.
”My great-grandparents used the library and me and my brother still use it,” said resident Ashley Reid. “It’s our library. It’s historic and it’s important to keep something in town that belongs to us.”
Mayor LaMantia said it’s possible the borough will look to eliminate municipal funding for the library again, but not in the near future.
”Anything is possible,” he said. “But it all depends on the state.”

