Kingston Public Library board adopts FY2027 budget; minutes and solicitation policy also approved

The Kingston Public Library Board of Trustees voted on March 16, 2026, to adopt the library's FY2027 budget after hearing an explanation from Library Director Donald Colon about line-item increases.

Colon told the board that the software account, the OCLN assessment and general salaries had increased and that he had discussed those changes with the town Finance Committee and town officials as part of the budget review process. After the explanation and committee questions, the board voted to approve the budget.

The board also recorded approval of the March 2, 2026 meeting minutes and accepted an edited version of the library's policy on solicitations during the same session.

Why it matters: the approved budget sets library spending priorities and funds operations and programs for the coming fiscal year. Colon reported he had reviewed the increases with Town Administrator Scott Lambiase and Town Accountant Kathleen Barrette and had incorporated guidance tied to state certification requirements when answering Finance Committee questions.

Details: the board met at Kingston Public Library, with Chair Emily Curtin and trustees Leigh Lewis, Emily Bruce, Andrew Kostka and Jen Quackenbush present. Colon told the board he had presented the proposed budget to the Finance Committee and to department heads as part of interdepartmental coordination.

Next steps: the minutes list the budget as passed; no vote tallies were recorded in the minutes. The board did not identify additional conditions or amendments tied to the vote at this meeting.