The library’s fiscal year 2026 budget was a central topic, underscored by a detailed presentation from the library director. A series of maintenance issues have plagued the historic building, including flooding, sewer blockages, wildlife infestations, and structural damage such as a collapsed ceiling. These issues necessitated an increase in the repairs and maintenance budget, from an initial $6,000 to a proposed $88,000. The library director emphasized the essential nature of these funds to manage ongoing repairs effectively and prepare for future, more costly restorations.

In addition to operational maintenance, the library’s capital budget request included $270,000, primarily for window repairs. However, with the condition of some windows deemed less urgent, the library has applied for a Community Preservation Committee grant to focus on the most critical window repairs. Another major capital request involved $70,000 for designing an ADA-compliant entrance. Despite previous unsuccessful grant attempts, the library is committed to beginning the design process by July, contingent upon budget approval.

ADA compliance was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The committee debated cost estimates for interior versus exterior options, noting the latter could be more expensive due to structural constraints. Public comments from the ADA committee underscored the urgent necessity of these facilities, emphasizing legal accessibility requirements for public buildings.

In tandem with these library-focused discussions, the committee also explored a broader five-year plan detailing the town’s capital necessities. This plan aims to address long-neglected infrastructure issues, with funding strategies influenced by anticipated grant receipts that ultimately did not materialize. The committee highlighted the importance of careful planning to prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively.

The meeting also addressed the Town Clerk’s budget, which proposed a transition of the assistant position from part-time to full-time, reflecting an increased salary budget of $149,900. This change aims to enhance service delivery by allowing the Town Clerk to focus on strategic planning and larger projects, supported by the additional responsibilities of a full-time assistant. The committee discussed potential automation of records requests to alleviate workload pressures, although this requires substantial investment in digitization processes.

Financial concerns extended beyond the library and Town Clerk’s office, with discussions on revenue generation through parking enforcement and fee structures for licenses and permits. Current fees were considered low, prompting suggestions for adjustments to better align with service costs.

Further, the committee scrutinized the town’s legal and professional services budget, which has seen increases due to ongoing zoning and development litigations. The need for transparent tracking of legal expenditures across departments was emphasized, with calls for detailed reporting to improve accountability and cost management.