A prominent topic at the meeting was the Reading Public Library’s budget request for fiscal year 2026, which represented a 3.6% increase totaling $2.2 million. The library’s director outlined the diverse services offered, such as technology assistance, job search support, and community programs, which recorded over half a million interactions in the past year. Emphasizing the library’s return on investment, calculated at approximately $10 million against a $365,000 budget, the director pointed out that 80% of the budget is allocated towards salaries. The proposed increase includes $55,800 for staff salaries and a 5.4% rise in operational expenses to maintain certification and fund diversity initiatives. However, the library’s program budget was notably reduced by 61.9%, with funds redirected to support the new Office of Equity.

The equity director’s presentation highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups. The director discussed a recent assessment that pinpointed areas for improvement and introduced plans for a town hall at the library aimed at amplifying youth voices. The significance of partnerships with local organizations and ongoing professional development was stressed.

In terms of technology enhancements, the meeting shed light on the town’s fiber network, which has been a robust backbone for municipal communications since its installation 22 years ago. A recent $200,000 grant aims to extend its capacity, improving public safety communication systems. However, concerns were raised regarding the stability of the electronic document storage system, which, despite recent vendor fixes, continues to face user access issues. The town’s cyber security efforts were acknowledged, with a grant supporting awareness training designed to mitigate risks associated with digital threats.

Attention was also directed to the significant rise in costs related to town facility maintenance. Elevator expenses saw a 33% increase due to the selection of a new service provider and aging equipment. Pest management expenses rose, attributed to heightened construction activity in the area. The facilities department highlighted a 6% rise in core maintenance repairs, driven by aging HVAC systems and increased workload. During the meeting, the department emphasized the importance of proactive preventive maintenance to avoid larger issues, with a 40% increase in work orders noted, particularly in the town’s high school and middle schools.

The technology department’s budget proposal was another critical point of discussion, with a notable increase in expenses due to software support costs for systems installed during the pandemic. The Chief Technology Officer expressed concerns over the budget increase, particularly when compared to other departments’ more conservative requests. The proposed expenses amounted to $492,000, including significant costs for essential software and communication infrastructure.

The Select Board also addressed the complexities of budgeting for vocational school contributions, which saw an 18.6% rise in costs due to increased capital charges. The unpredictability of student enrollment at these schools complicates budget planning, causing fluctuations in town contributions. Additionally, the board discussed the implications of a projected 14.9% decrease in debt service, noting the potential tax implications for residents once excluded debt is eliminated post-fiscal year 2025.

Lastly, the board considered the allocation of funds for potential projects, such as new pickleball courts, with suggestions to use surplus ice arena funds for development. While the design work for the courts is underway, members emphasized the need for careful financial planning to avoid future budgetary shortfalls.