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Library director warns of possible FY27 budget strain as town seeks level-funded submission
Summary
Director Kimberly Grad told trustees the town is struggling to meet requested level-funded FY27 numbers; she will meet with the town administrator, finance director and the finance committee over the next 13 weeks to prepare a balanced budget for the May 4 town meeting and assess staffing impacts.
Director Kimberly Grad told the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees on Feb. 2 that the town had asked for a level-funded FY27 budget submission for library salaries and operations but that town officials appear to be struggling to meet those numbers. Grad said the library should be "prepared for some difficult financial challenges" while also noting that a potential override could alter that outlook.
Grad said she will meet over the next 13 weeks with Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin and the town Finance Committee with the goal of having a balanced budget prepared for the May 4 town meeting. Trustees discussed the possibility of a town hiring freeze and the direct effect on staffing decisions, including delaying replacement of the part-time custodian and evaluating alternative staffing models while maintaining minimum service levels.
The director also reported program and community engagement plans: two open positions (part-time custodian and part-time youth library assistant); attendance by Grad and staff member Jane Wolff at the ALA Annual Conference in June (previously approved for partial funding); strategic-planning focus groups with MLS consultant Michele Eberle on April 2 and additional community chats on April 17, May 8 and June 12; and APLF fundraising work on the library’s 150th anniversary.
Trustees asked for recommendations to ensure a cross-section of community participants in the strategic-planning process. The board noted upcoming events (WinterFest on Feb. 7 and the Northeastern Massachusetts Libraries Legislative Breakfast on Feb. 27) and building maintenance items (front-lawn light follow-up with contractor Apex and pending sprinkler repair). The minutes list the next regular board meeting as March 2, 2026.
