Sterling House and Stratford Library press council for higher funding as operating costs rise

Representatives of two major Stratford nonprofit service providers made pitches to the Town Council on March 20 as part of the town’s budget workshop.

Amanda, executive director of Sterling House, outlined services and impact data and said the organization currently receives $245,400 in town support and requested an increase to roughly $292,800 (about a 19% rise) to cover higher property‑insurance bills, utilities and building‑restoration costs tied to an ongoing major renovation. She said Sterling House’s operating model relies heavily on program fees and fundraising and that town support typically accounts for about 10% of its operating budget.

Library leaders — assistant executive director Jeri DiRio, treasurer Don Petrimas and board president Maria Ferrara — presented the Stratford Library Association’s request and a line‑item breakdown for a $3,800,000 appropriation. They said the mayor’s proposed budget would fund $204,000 less than requested and warned that deficit levels could force reductions in hours or services. The library also highlighted rising e‑book licensing costs, explaining that publishers now license titles to libraries with restrictions (for example, limited uses or two‑year licenses) that can make e‑book access disproportionately expensive.

Council members asked for follow‑up materials. Sterling House committed to email a detailed spreadsheet showing the impact of the requested increase; library staff said they would return scenarios showing which services would be cut at lower funding levels. Both organizations emphasized community reach: Sterling House presented a service map and claimed thousands of residents use its programs, and the library noted that more than 90% of its operating funds come from the town appropriation and that it functions as a warming/cooling center and community hub.

Councilors said they appreciated the presentations and asked staff to incorporate the organizations’ supplemental materials into upcoming budget deliberations.