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Library trustees say level funding and lack of notice risk services and staff pay
Summary
Library trustees told the Selectboard that learning of a level-funded budget from outside sources was a "breakdown of transparency," warning it will force service reductions or employee pay cuts and asking for better communication going forward.
Library trustees told the Westford Selectboard on Feb. 26 that they were disappointed to learn from outside sources that the town budget would leave the library level funded. Helen Sterling, chair of the trustees, said the notice and process were inadequate and warned of operational consequences. "Level funding means that services will have to be reduced and/or salaries of employees will have to be reduced," Sterling said.
Becky Roy, also a trustee, backed Sterling and described the trustees' concern that library funds had been used to pay for remediation and that the board's lack of direct communication felt "disrespectful." The trustees had at one point requested Selectboard assistance with remediation costs but withdrew that request, according to meeting discussion. Selectboard members acknowledged a need for better two‑way communication; Julia Andrews said communication is a shared responsibility but also noted the board's role overseeing taxpayer‑funded salaries.
