Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Library Budget Vote. We are pleased to announce that the proposed 2026–2027 library budget passed passed 220 to 58 and all four trustees were elected. Eamon Kelly and Susan Lange won 5 year terms, and William Morris and Eric Sharrin won 1 year terms. We appreciate the community’s continued support and look forward to providing the programs, services, and resources that enrich our community.
Library Budget Supports:
- Books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and digital resources
- Children’s, teen, and adult programming
- Technology access, Wi-Fi, and public computers
- Learning Lab classes and workshops
- Community meeting spaces
- Staff support and daily operations
- Building maintenance and ongoing improvements
Elected Board of Trustees
Eamon Kelly
A longtime Pearl River resident, Eamon and his family have been active patrons of the Pearl River Public Library for over 32 years and continue to participate in its programs into retirement. He is running for a position on the Library Board of Trustees to give back to the community and support the library’s continued growth and renovation efforts.
He holds a degree in Engineering from Manhattan College and has 40 years of experience in construction management, including overseeing technical projects, managing budgets, and leading and mentoring a staff of 50. He believes this background will help the library navigate its ongoing Franklin Avenue renovation, adapt to new technologies, and serve the evolving needs of the Pearl River community.
Susan Lange
Susan Lange is the section manager for Business Ethics and Compliance at Consolidated Edison, Inc., overseeing ethics and compliance training programs such as new hire orientation, leadership skills, specialized training, and annual standards of business conduct. With more than 20 years of experience in learning and professional development, she designs and implements training that fosters an open and ethical corporate culture. Previously, Susan held various human capital management roles in multinational banking, insurance, and pharmaceutical companies, focusing on training strategy, leadership development, policy management, and organizational development.
William Morris
William Morris is a lifelong Pearl River resident and graduate of Pearl River High School and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He brings over four decades of public service experience to the Library Board, having spent 41 years with the City of New York, the last years of which were at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). There, he developed and led a technological innovation program in partnership with the Partnership Fund for the City of New York, directed the department’s performance management program, and coordinated emergency management and response efforts across DEP and with the City’s Office of Emergency Management.
William has been honored to serve as a Trustee of the Pearl River Public Library since 2015. He and his wife Kathy raised their two children in Pearl River, and he has seen firsthand the vital role the library plays in the life of the community — from the programs that engage residents of all ages to the resources that make a real difference in people’s lives. He remains deeply committed to ensuring the library continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Pearl River.
Eric Sharrin
Eric and his family have supported the Pearl River Library for the last 33 years since they moved to Pearl River from Brooklyn, NY. As a family they consider the Pearl River library one of the fundamental institutions in their lives where they have spent time in many capacities – whether at community meetings, library cultural functions, activities or just borrowing books both in physical and electronic form. Eric has been a member of the Pearl River Library Board of Trustees since 2014, helping to lead and support the library through multiple directors, the Pandemic, and the current reconstruction, maintaining fiscal responsibility as well as keeping the library accessible as a place of learning and gathering for all members of the community. Eric is currently the board President.
Eric has a degree in Accounting from Brooklyn College and a certificate in computer programming from The Chubb Institute. Eric has been working at Orange and Rockland Utilities/Con Edison for the last 29 years as a computer programmer for 22 of those years and now as financial manager where he is responsible for overseeing the budget for the IT Department development and support of the Smart Meter program.
Eric has a tremendous sense of responsibility to the community. He has been actively involved as an adult volunteer in the Boy Scouts for the past 25 years with Troop 37 and Ship 37 out of the Pearl River United Methodist Church. He has worked district wide, in addition to his troop, helping many boys attain the rank of Eagle Scout. In the past he has volunteered for Pearl River Relay for Life, and Pearl River Day. When his children were younger, Eric had been an OMM soccer coach for six years and had served on Pearl River High School Project Graduation Committee. In addition, Eric has been active with Beth Am Temple in Pearl River. He has served as President, Executive Vice President, Financial Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Trustee, and is currently the webmaster and Technology Chair. Eric believes that volunteerism is the cornerstone of every high functioning community.
Your library is more than books! It’s a hub for learning, creativity, technology, and connection. Our budget ensures we can continue providing free, high-quality resources, and services to everyone in our community.
Transparency & Accountability
We are committed to responsible stewardship of public funds. Budget reports and financial documents are available for public review, ensuring transparency in how funds are allocated and spent.
Proposal
The Library is proposing a 1.98% budget increase for the 2026–2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), aligning with the Town of Orangetown’s budget, which remains under the 2% tax cap. This increase is primarily driven by rising health insurance costs.
The annual budget vote will take place on June 2, 2026, at the Library. In addition to the budget vote, residents will elect Library Trustees. Four candidates are on the ballot: Eamon Kelly and Susan Lange, along with incumbents Eric Sharrin and William Morris. Two trustee positions carry one-year terms, and two carry five-year terms.
Pearl River Public Library Budget
| Current | Proposed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 – 2026 | 2026-2027 | |
| Income | ||
| $3,781,731.00 | Property | $3,856,800.00 |
| $40,000.00 | PILOT | $40,000.00 |
| $0.00 | Interest | $5,000.00 |
| $500.00 | Fines | $600.00 |
| $4,325.00 | Library Grants | $4,300.00 |
| $100.00 | Gifts | $100.00 |
| $2,000.00 | Miscellaneous | $2,500.00 |
| $3,828,656.00 | Total Income | $3,909,300.00 |
| Expenses | ||
| $775,000.00 | Benefits | $922,200.00 |
| $247,400.00 | Library Operations | $181,700.00 |
| $300,000.00 | Capital Expenses | $300,000.00 |
| $87,291.00 | Gas, Water, Electric, Sewer | $88,500.00 |
| $35,000.00 | Insurance | $26,000.00 |
| $165,100.00 | Library Materials | $168,100.00 |
| $317,365.00 | Facility Maintenance | $293,800.00 |
| $78,000.00 | Programming & Promotions | $100,500.00 |
| $23,500.00 | RCLS Fees | $28,500.00 |
| $1,800,000.00 | Salaries | $1,800,000.00 |
| $3,828,656.00 | Total Expenses | $3,909,300.00 |