South Thomaston board moves to reappoint treasurer after library funds concerns; new cash-handling steps adopted

The South Thomaston Select Board on Monday moved to reappoint Terry Baines to the town treasurer role after the board received a resignation and discussed alleged problems with library and community center receipts.

At the start of the discussion a resignation letter was read that said the writer resigned as treasurer on Jan. 13 "due to concerns regarding the misuse of funds at the Gilbert Butler Library and Community Center" and that the board had accepted Penny Alli’s resignation as director effective Feb. 3. The letter described a new cash-handling procedure: two volunteers will count library and community center receipts and turn the funds over directly to the town treasurer. "This strengthens internal control, establishes clear oversight, reinforces financial accountability, and helps ensure that a situation like the prior one ... will not occur again," the letter said.

A motion to reappoint Terry Baines to the treasurer position was made and seconded; the discussion noted the appointment would be effective immediately. Board members thanked the person stepping into the role and moved on to other items.

The board also heard an update on the Gilbert Butler Library and Community Center. Staff reported cleanup work, posted hours and a new calendar, and said programs such as ballet and Tai Chi have restarted. The board discussed a staff request to spend up to $2,500 from donations for tables and floor mats; a motion to authorize the expenditure was made, seconded and put to a vote.

Several members of the public used the meeting’s public-comment portion to describe instances of hostile or harassing behavior inside the community center and library, saying some patrons were confronted or told they were "not welcome." The board said written personnel complaints are the appropriate channel for allegations about town employees and reiterated that the advisory committee was formed to offer guidance on the facility. One board motion authorized the acting chair to send correspondence recommended by the town attorney related to the matter; the vote recorded an abstention and otherwise carried.

The board did not announce any criminal or civil findings during the meeting. The changes described in the resignation letter — the two-person counting procedure and direct turnover to the treasurer — were presented as immediate steps to improve oversight.

The Select Board adjourned after wrapping up smaller agenda items; larger matters were rescheduled for follow-up meetings.