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Library, BADC and Barre Partnership outline programs and modest city funding asks
Summary
Representatives from the Aldridge Public Library, Barre Area Development Corporation (BADC) and Barre Partnership described services and projects — from library programming to downtown marketing and Prospect Heights — and requested modest increases in city support tied to operations and economic development campaigns.
Several community partners presented to the council during the FY27 budget hearings. Kristen, director of the Aldridge Public Library, asked for a 5% city increase and described expanded programming, computer use, and capital needs; she said the library served “86,847 people” last year and noted large increases in program attendance and checkouts.
Josh Jerome, executive director of the Barre Area Development Corporation, described organizational transition, technical assistance to property owners, and his work on key projects including fundraising for 143 North Main (he said the campaign raised “over $402,000”), a Phase I environmental assessment and Prospect Heights engineering. Tracy Lewis of the Barre Partnership reviewed event growth (farmers market, concerts, Heritage Festival and the Mary Barre Holiday Craft Fair) and reported 2025 farmers‑market sales of about $33,794. All three organizations asked the council to consider modest increases (library 5%, BADC 6.8%, and partnership requests tied to programs); presenters said they will continue to pursue grants and fundraising to balance budgets.
