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Paul Memorial Library board accepts minutes, reviews finances and discusses $30,000 interior estimate
Summary
At its Feb. 17, 2025 meeting the Paul Memorial Library board accepted prior minutes, reviewed treasurer balances and follow-ups on a questionable Staples charge, discussed FY26 and FY27 budgeting including an HVAC/utilities item, and noted a roughly $30,000 interior project estimate; next meeting set for March 23, 2026.
The Paul Memorial Library board met on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, opening at 6:40 p.m. and accepting the minutes of the Jan. 26, 2026 meeting. Members in attendance included Win Fream, Britney Thompson, Jack Parnham and Brendan Johnston.
The treasurer reported account balances: a general fund of $5,929.42, a donation account of $5,210.45 and petty cash of $290.51. The Oct. manifest showed expenses of $3,575.33 and income of $8,000.00. Win Fream directed two follow-ups: to call Citizens Bank about a questionable Staples expense and to follow up with the BOS regarding invoices for oil and electricity.
The director's report was submitted to the board; the transcript records only that it was "Submitted" and does not name the director or provide further detail. The board also discussed staff matters, including a draft note to clarify a six-month probationary hiring period and scheduling staff review dates; Brittney Thompson was recorded as reviewing staff dates at the next meeting.
Budget planning featured on the agenda. The board reviewed open items for the FY26 budget and noted that utilities should include a pending HVAC project. Members instructed preparation of a full line-item FY27 budget to present in April. Board members raised the question of the donation account's purpose and whether donations could be commingled into the general fund; the transcript indicates the board asked Scott and Steven for input but does not record their responses.
An interior project covering the children's room and a sitting room remains on hold; the board noted existing quotes and recorded a combined estimate of about $30,000 for design, furniture and treatments. Maintenance and a general clean-up of the basement were also noted as outstanding tasks. As part of community engagement, Win Fream said he would send a letter to community gardeners asking them to address problems in their plots.
The board discussed longer-term planning, describing goals for a three- to four-year strategic plan and saying the library needs a new website; the board also plans to discuss strategic priorities with the Friends organization. The board set its next meeting for March 23, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.; minutes were signed "Respectfully submitted, Jack Parnham."
