Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Trustees will receive an update on the Massachusetts Preservation Project Grant and will discuss and vote on the FY27 budget. The agenda also includes consideration of matters not reasonably anticipated in advance of the meeting.
The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees met virtually on March 4, 2026. The board considered whether to apply for a Massachusetts Preservation Project Grant (eligible because the building is on the National Register) and discussed FY27 budget strategy after the Mayor directed level-funded submissions. Trustees heard from the director that matching funds for the grant were expected from the forthcoming sale of the School Street properties but are not yet on hand; applying now would require committing other library funds in advance and incurring additional architectural fees. After discussion the board approved deferring the grant application until next year when required building project information will be complete.
On the FY27 budget the board reviewed the Mayor's level-funded directive and noted prior FY25 compliance issues that put State Aid at risk. Trustees emphasized the need to retain an 18-hour position to meet mandated staffing levels and a part-time administrative assistant to support the grant and building project work, and agreed to keep their budget request unchanged. No public comments were made. The board noted that a joint City Council and Board vote to appoint a new trustee (Marcia) is scheduled for March 10.