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Westbrook Library trustees approve minutes, review FY 2026–27 budget and policies
Summary
At their Jan. 6 meeting the Westbrook Public Library Board approved minutes and a Program Attendance Policy, reviewed the proposed FY 2026–27 budget for submission by Jan.16, and heard updates on an estate trust disbursement and a pending Community Foundation grant.
The Westbrook Public Library Board of Trustees met Jan. 6 and carried several routine motions while reviewing the library’s proposed FY 2026–27 budget and recent financial activity. Katie Richard, the board chair, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Library Director Michelle Centore presented the proposed FY 2026–27 budget, walking trustees through each line and noting that payroll lines are not under library control. Centore said the proposed budget will be submitted to town officials by Jan. 16, 2026; Jodie Oshana moved to accept the proposed budget as presented, seconded by Heather Cassidy, and trustees approved the motion by voice vote noted in the minutes as "all in favor." The minutes do not list individual vote tallies.
Centore also provided a December financial recap: expenses were minimal, book orders remain delayed because of fulfillment issues with Brodart (prompting temporary use of Amazon to meet patron demand), the Hartford Courant subscription was closed out with a small final bill, and the library’s Local Gift Fund (LGF) recorded only one expense in December. She told trustees she expects an income disbursement from an estate trust in early 2026 and that final distributions will be determined after probate accounting, likely in the second quarter of 2026. Centore also said a Community Foundation grant remains pending approval at the next Town Meeting.
Other business included approval of minutes and one policy. Heather Cassidy moved (seconded by Elizabeth Fabrizi) to accept the Dec. 2, 2025 annual meeting minutes; Jodie Oshana moved (seconded by Amy Heilmann) to accept the Dec. 2, 2025 monthly meeting minutes. Kathie Cietanno moved (seconded by Amy Heilmann) to approve the Program Attendance Policy as presented; the minutes record each motion as passing with trustees "all in favor." The minutes do not specify individual yes/no votes. Centore said she is reviewing the Homebound Patron Policy with the Town Attorney and the library’s insurer to assess liability concerns; no action on that policy was taken at the meeting.
The meeting closed after a short round of other updates; Chair Richard moved to adjourn, a motion seconded by Kathie Cietanno, and the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Motion to accept Dec. 2, 2025 annual meeting minutes — Mover: Heather Cassidy; Second: Elizabeth Fabrizi; outcome: approved (recorded as "all in favor"). Motion to accept Dec. 2, 2025 monthly meeting minutes — Mover: Jodie Oshana; Second: Amy Heilmann; outcome: approved ("all in favor"). Motion to accept proposed FY 2026–27 budget for submission — Mover: Jodie Oshana; Second: Heather Cassidy; outcome: approved ("all in favor"). Motion to accept January financial report — Mover: Kathie Cietanno; Second: Kate Zapadka; outcome: approved ("all in favor"). Motion to approve Program Attendance Policy — Mover: Kathie Cietanno; Second: Amy Heilmann; outcome: approved ("all in favor"). Motion to adjourn — Mover: Katie Richard; Second: Kathie Cietanno; outcome: approved ("all in favor").
Next steps: The proposed FY 2026–27 budget will be submitted by Jan. 16, 2026; Centore will continue to coordinate with town officials on any LGF- or grant-funded projects and will report back as probate accounting and grant approvals move forward.
