Franklin trustees hear budget, maintenance and staffing updates; discuss service plan options

At the May 26 meeting the Franklin Public Library Board heard a finance and operations update noting that April represented about 32.88% of the fiscal year, total revenues were roughly 98.92% of budget, and overall expenditures remained under the year‑to‑date pace. Alan reported elevated ebook/OverDrive spending and said interest on investments exceeded initial city projections.

Trustees discussed capital repair exposure. Staff said recent boiler and air‑conditioning work remain under warranty for the coming year; trustees and staff explored the idea of a prepaid service or maintenance plan (for example through Johnson Controls) to reduce the risk of unanticipated catastrophic repairs and to provide budget predictability. Alan said a service plan could shift some future episodic capital costs into a more regular maintenance budget.

Jennifer updated the board on custodial staffing changes: an evening custodian left for another city position, a new evening custodian is training, and a morning custodian resigned; the library is relying on interim coverage from existing staff and occasional assistance from the police department. Trustees discussed short‑term seasonal hires and a June buildings & grounds meeting to clarify city vs. library responsibilities for capital items such as parking lot restriping.

The board also received a foundation report: the Franklin library foundation provided about $8,200 in in‑kind and financial support, including a $4,000 allocation to the children’s department for summer reading, a new laminator and extension of zoo passes. Trustees discussed forming an ad hoc fundraising committee for children’s programming to phase purchases and broaden outreach to community donors.

No formal budget vote was taken at the meeting; trustees scheduled finance committee work to begin budget planning.