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Tamworth library seeks modest wage increases, proposes $17,500 painting warrant article
Summary
Library trustees presented a budget with proposed wage increases to remain competitive and a $17,500 warrant article to paint the exterior; trustees also plan to carry over an accessibility grant for lift/HVAC work and expect modest budget growth.
The Tamworth Library trustees presented their 2025 budget to the Select Board on Nov. 7, proposing modest wage increases and a separate warrant article to fund exterior painting.
Ally Katherine Thompson said the trustees conducted a wage survey and proposed raising the director's hourly rate (discussion referenced movement from about $26.23 to $32.00 in board discussion) and adjusting assistant and other librarian lines to remain competitive and aid recruitment. Thompson described the challenge of small rural library comparisons and said the proposals reflect local hiring realities and the U.S. Department of Labor figures for similar positions.
The trustees also plan a warrant article for exterior painting estimated at $17,500, and said they have carryover accessibility grant funds to pursue lift work and an HVAC upgrade. Thompson noted some grant programs (example given: a ‘moose plate’ grant) might help fund the exterior work depending on timing.
Board members questioned certain budget lines (janitorial arrangements and whether town maintenance staff provide those services) and discussed whether library janitorial pay should be centralized; Thompson said historical practice and accounting choices determine how those costs are tracked.
Next steps: the library will finalize its warrant language and the board will consider the library appropriation and the painting warrant during upcoming budget deliberations.
