Libby Museum budget faces scrutiny amid staffing reductions and default budget increase

The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen (BoS) held a work session on March 26, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including budget discussions and planning board concerns. The meeting focused on the need for collaboration with the planning board and the implications of the Libby Museum budget.

The session began with a discussion about the planning board's current status. Members expressed frustration over the lack of communication and progress from the planning board, emphasizing the necessity for them to provide updates on their activities. It was noted that the absence of a representative from the Board of Selectmen on the planning board has hindered effective oversight and collaboration.

Following this, the conversation shifted to the Libby Museum budget. A detailed explanation was provided regarding the budget figures, which included a total budget of $27,000 and a default budget of $47,000. The increase in the budget was attributed to a previous decision made during the budget season, where reductions in staffing and operations were not reflected in the default budget. This discrepancy resulted in a significant increase of $20,373 in the budget, raising concerns among the selectmen about the financial management of the museum.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for better communication with the planning board and a review of the budgetary processes to prevent similar issues in the future. The selectmen agreed to follow up on these matters in upcoming sessions to ensure that both the planning board and the Libby Museum operate effectively within their budgets.