Douglas Library Board Approves Reduced FY2027 Budget, Eyes Accessibility Solutions

DOUGLAS — January 6, 2026 — Douglas library board unanimously approves a rare budget decrease for fiscal year 2027, cutting the municipal request to $410,000 from $417,000. The Simon Fairfield Public Library Board of Trustees approved the leaner spending plan at its January 6 meeting after Library Director Justin reduced personnel costs by restructuring staffing, expanded a library assistant's hours rather than replacing a departed employee, moved book delivery expenses from the Friends of the Library into the municipal budget, and trimmed spending on the OverDrive digital lending service. Trustees also voted unanimously to accept Justin's annual performance review, which found broad satisfaction but flagged that "decision making needs to slow down" and that building progress remains the library's overriding priority. Capital reserves now stand near $295,000, and the board asked the director to obtain cost estimates for a Lula lift accessibility installation and explore incorporating a compliant restroom — a project the town administrator suggested could be within reach without a debt exclusion, depending on scope.