The Lakeville Library Board of Trustees voted on Jan. 13 to approve the library’s fiscal 2026 budget submission to town officials and discussed additions to the budget cover letter, including a note on unusually high water charges and the possible need for contingency funds tied to a town well project.

Why it matters: trustees and staff said a recurring spike in water charges in recent months has increased library operating costs and may require attention in the FY26 budget process to avoid an end‑of‑year deficit.

The budget document presented to trustees includes the standard management pages and an accomplishments summary, and lists materials, audio and periodicals funding. Director Jennifer Jones reviewed proposed line items and explained recommended shifts between accounts to reflect higher contracts and custodial costs. She proposed keeping materials funding (books, audio, periodicals) at existing or slightly increased levels to preserve certification and meet patron demand.

On the water issue, trustees and staff reviewed a recent high bill — they cited a single past bill in the $1,900 range — and discussed the town’s plan for a new well and irrigation changes that the town intends to use ARPA funding to support. Trustees asked Jones to add language to the budget cover letter calling out that water costs have been materially higher than budgeted in recent months and may require a supplemental allocation if the well and related irrigation work are not yet operational.

Procedural vote: the board approved the FY26 budget as presented (motion to submit the budget; moved and seconded during the meeting; recorded by voice vote as 'All those in favor? Aye.'). The board also approved one motion during the meeting to move the FY26 budget process forward; trustees asked staff to refine several figures (carpet, lighting, HVAC materials) before final submission and to include a short explanatory paragraph on water costs.

The board asked that the director and the facilities manager coordinate final estimate collection and that any significant new capital or operating impacts be highlighted in the cover letter to the town finance committee.

Next steps: the director will incorporate the suggested text about water costs and the capital items into the submission and will provide trustees an updated copy before final filing to town staff. Town meeting with the town is scheduled for June 9; trustees noted the capital plan is flexible and listed items may move earlier if free cash or other funding becomes available.