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Pierson Library trustees approve FY2027 budget, adopt policies for children and vulnerable adults
Summary
The Pierson Library Board of Trustees on June 17, 2026 approved the trustees' FY2027 budget, adopted new policies covering children who remain after hours and vulnerable adults, and discussed 2028 budget planning and creating a Foundation to expand fundraising.
The Pierson Library Board of Trustees on June 17, 2026 approved the trustees’ FY2027 budget, adopted changes to policies for children who remain after the library closes and for vulnerable adults, and discussed fundraising and budget planning for 2028, members said at their meeting.
Library Director Mike Hibben opened the meeting by noting trustees had the director’s written report in advance. Trustee Elizabeth Berman said she is "getting ahead" of 2028 budget planning by assembling a comparison chart of peer libraries using metrics tied to town size, budget and local demographics. Board members also noted the town is "tightening the belt," and discussed contingency planning in case municipal support is reduced.
Board members discussed fundraising options because the library may not charge for public services. Trustees debated creating a separate Foundation that would solicit major donors and handle donor recruitment rather than asking trustees to do so. Trustees Kristin Jangraw, Elizabeth Berman and Chris Rodgers said they could produce an annual infographic reporting library services and impact for presentation to town governance and taxpayers, targeting completion by September.
Treasurer Kristin Jangraw delivered the treasurer’s report, noting some program income and expenses and a few outstanding checks. She presented a simplified FY2027 trustee budget sheet; Trustee Alice Brown moved to approve the FY2027 trustee budget, Trustee Marissa Strayer-Benton seconded, and the motion carried. The transcript records the motion as "Approved" but does not list a vote tally.
On operations, trustees voted to close the library on July 3 and July 4 in accordance with Town policy after a motion by Trustee Alice Brown and a second from Trustee Jessica Brumsted; the motion was recorded as approved at 7:19 PM. Director Hibben also noted that the children’s performer or attraction "G'Raf" is leaving and said he may recruit a replacement for children’s programming.
The board reviewed and adopted revisions to two policies: procedures for children who remain after the library closes (including guidance about children waiting in the parking lot or nearby ball field) and guidelines for serving vulnerable adults in the building. Trustee Alice Brown moved to adopt the changes and Trustee Holly Brough seconded; the transcript records the motion as approved at 7:47 PM. Specific policy text or operational protocols beyond the general descriptions in the meeting record were not provided in the transcript.
Trustee bylaws potential revisions on board tenure were tabled to the next meeting. The board set its next meeting for Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 PM; Trustee Jessica Brumsted agreed to take minutes and Trustee Alice Brown said she would not attend.
Trustee Alice Brown moved and Trustee Jessica Brumsted seconded a motion to enter executive session for legal and personnel matters; the board approved that motion at 7:51 PM. The executive session concluded at 8:45 PM; after the session Trustee Alice Brown moved to adjourn and Trustee Elizabeth Berman seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
What’s next: trustees plan to pursue an infographic for September, continue 2028 budget comparisons, and continue fundraising/Foundation discussions; bylaws tenure revisions will be discussed at the July meeting. Vote tallies for motions were not recorded in the transcript and are listed below as "not specified."
