Blackstone trustees review finances, approve FY26 action plan and fund youth and adult programs

At the Sept. 9, 2024 meeting of the Blackstone Board of Library Trustees, the board reviewed FY25 financials and approved submission of the FY26 action plan to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Trustees also authorized small program expenditures from LigMEG funds and discussed staffing proposals and pending building repairs.

Lisa Cheever, the library director, said trustees received a preliminary FY26 budget packet for review and emphasized that some figures are provisional because the head of circulation’s union contract remains unsettled. "I sent you a preliminary fiscal year 26 budget in your packet... Some of the numbers may need to be corrected because our head of circulation, their union contract's still not approved," Cheever said.

Cheever described two proposed part-time positions added to the draft budget: a part-time library tech assistant to help patrons and maintain patron computers and an 8-hour-per-week children’s room library aide. The director said funding for the tech assistant would come from shifting existing part-time hours and that the increase to the payroll line was modest.

Trustees voted to submit the FY26 action plan to the MBLC after the director highlighted a new goal to "celebrate diversity and cultural awareness" and listed potential programming (citizenship workshops, cultural displays and training). The motion to submit the action plan was recorded with a first by Kate Reno and second by Jean Alexandowitz and passed by voice vote.

On program funding, trustees approved two allocations drawn from LigMEG/grant-related funds: $385 to support an 11-session weekly Pathfinder program for young adults (performer fee $35 per session) and $500 to fund two paint-night sessions scheduled for Jan. 16 and Jan. 21, 2025. The Pathfinder motion was recorded as first by Kelly Gillis and second by Kate Reno. Both motions passed by voice vote.

Cheever also reported operations and facilities items: LSTA grant first-year funds must be spent by Sept. 30 to draw the second-year payment in October; recent circulation was 4,403 items in August; actuator repairs were completed but one invoice contained an incorrect amount and will not be paid until corrected; a quote from Adaptive Plumbing to replace the water heater and expansion tank has been sent to the town administrator and is pending; the Friends purchased a metal bench and will plan a dedication; and town administrator Lauren Taylor has arranged ServSafe food-safety courses paid with the town credit card for relevant staff.

Trustees asked for additional detail on salary survey timing and agreed to revisit the FY26 budget and staffing proposals at upcoming meetings. The board adjourned at 7:40 p.m.