In the joint meeting with the Board of Library Trustees, Brenna Sullivan was selected for the vacant trustee position. Sullivan, a lifelong Reading resident and bookseller, emphasized the library as a valuable community resource and its role in promoting literacy and education. Her nomination followed a structured interview process, where she articulated her commitment to supporting library staff and engaging with the community. Sullivan’s unanimous approval came after thoughtful deliberation and a competitive nomination process that also included candidate Jason Clark, who was ultimately not selected.

Another major announcement during the meeting was the retirement of the Police Chief, who expressed gratitude to the Reading community and reflected on his career achievements. His tenure saw the introduction of several initiatives, including diversification efforts, the establishment of a canine unit, and the addition of a mental health clinician. His retirement is not connected to the current budget discussions, emphasizing a pre-planned decision to step down. The Chief recommended Deputy Chief Christine Amendola as his successor, citing her extensive qualifications. Board members expressed appreciation for his service and leadership, noting the positive impact on the community during challenging times.

The override is being considered to address a structural deficit and maintain current service levels amid rising costs. Board members debated various options, including a single-question override, a tiered approach, and a multi-year strategy. The potential consequences of not passing the override were significant, with possible layoffs affecting 74 positions, including critical roles in schools and emergency services. The board emphasized the importance of clear communication with residents regarding the financial implications and the rationale behind the override, highlighting the necessity of sustaining essential services without introducing new programs.

The conversation also touched on the financial challenges facing the town, such as the reliance on free cash reserves and the need for future borrowing for ongoing projects like the Killam School and Recal initiatives. Transparency in these financial matters was underscored, with plans for public forums to engage residents and provide clarity on fiscal decisions. The board discussed creating an online tax calculator to help residents understand the impact of the override and debt exclusions on their tax bills.

In addition to the primary topics of discussion, the meeting covered various community updates and initiatives. The board recognized Tim Kerwin for his volunteer contributions and celebrated the Reading Fire Department’s advancements in emergency medical care, achieved through the use of new Zenex equipment. The town manager reported on ongoing construction projects, roadwork updates, and a hiring freeze for the fiscal year 2027, affecting various departments but prioritizing public safety roles.

Attention was also given to the proposal for a naming policy for town-owned facilities. This initiative is intended to streamline the naming process for public assets and ensure community involvement in decision-making.