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Troy Selectmen tentatively approve reduced 2026 library budget; trustees plan donation trust
Summary
The Troy Board of Selectmen tentatively approved a $158,851 library budget for 2026, a 9.91% reduction from 2025. Library director Erin George outlined increased usage and several new line items; trustees said they will pursue a trust to allow interest-only spending and encumber funds for sprinkler work.
The Troy Board of Selectmen on Dec. 4 tentatively approved the library’s 2026 operating budget at $158,851, a $28,776 (9.91%) decrease from the 2025 appropriation of $176,325. Library Director Erin George presented the proposal and told the board the library has seen a 21% increase in usage while adding or expanding line items including mileage, office supplies, security-system maintenance, advertising, a health-insurance buyout, custodial supplies and unemployment.
George also said the library has applied for an Amazon Business account to obtain better pricing on purchases. Town Administrator Jeremy Bourgeois notified the board that the 2026 large post office box rental will cost $198 and the trustees said they would factor that into budget planning.
Library Trustee Steve Obert said the trustees plan to schedule a public hearing and craft a warrant article to create a new library trust for a recent donation, with terms allowing the library to spend interest and access principal only in emergencies. The trustees also indicated they will ensure funds for needed sprinkler work are encumbered in 2025.
The Selectmen voted 3-0-0 to tentatively approve the budget. The vote is a tentative approval pending warrant preparation and any additional public hearings required before final vote at Town Meeting.
The discussion focused on balancing operating needs amid rising usage with the town’s broader budget constraints. The trustees expressed support for the new library director and the strategic use of donated funds to protect capital needs.
The board’s next steps include finalizing warrant language for the proposed library trust and confirming any encumbrances needed for sprinkler repairs before year-end.
