Reading, MA — The Finance Committee (FinCom) voted 7-0 to recommend the Fiscal Year 2021 budget to Town Meeting on March 18. FinCom, who met virtually to allow for the maintenance of social distancing, reached this decision after receiving a report from Library Director Amy Lannon regarding the proposed $1,814,395 library budget. This budget represents a three percent increase over the FY2020 budget with the only significant change being the addition of five hours a week to the communication specialist position. Lannon shared that 13percent of the budget needs to be spent on materials, though the Library Board of Trustees has a goal of spending 14 percent on materials.
Town Manager Robert LeLacheur also presented the budgets for the three enterprise funds to the FinCom. After recommending the budget to Town Meeting, FinCom voted 7-0 to recommend the 13 other April Town Meeting warrant articles that deal with finances. The subjects of these articles range from debt authorization for sewer improvements, downtown infrastructure improvements, and acceptance of state funds for roads.
FinCom also voted 7-0 to approve $100,000 of expenditures from the FinCom reserve funds to cover the cost of custodial and maintenance overtime and other expenses related to the coronavirus outbreak.
FinCom adjourned at 9:00 pm.
