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Library director asks Skowhegan to hold town contribution at $28,000
Summary
Angie, director of the library, told the Select Board the library’s operating budget fell but it is requesting the same $28,000 town contribution as last year to cover payroll and utilities; trustees hold roughly $2.1 million in restricted funds that produce about $30,000/year for library use.
Angie, director of the library, asked the Skowhegan Select Board on March 3 to maintain the town contribution at $28,000 despite a reduced overall budget.
"Our budget is down from last year, but we are asking for the same amount, the $28,000," Angie said, explaining that the library trimmed staffing (now four full‑time employees) and is planning for upcoming capital improvements such as a roof replacement in the next five years.
Angie said the Bloomfield Academy trustees hold roughly $2.1 million in reserves but that most of those funds are restricted for specific purposes. "Ninety‑seven percent of them are restricted," she said, and the library’s portion of interest from those funds produces about $30,000 annually. She said the trustees and library are exploring a small capital improvement reserve to avoid ad hoc fundraising for repairs.
The director also outlined services the library provides beyond lending books: telehealth access, nearly 200 annual programs, a warming and cooling center, a small food pantry and free Narcan distribution. Angie said the library has distributed roughly 60 boxes of Narcan and used an on‑site dose once.
Board members asked for further financial details and reserve reconciliations. The request will be considered along with other third‑party funding asks as the town assembles its full budget.
