Wendy Stender

The annual meeting focused on essential town business, including the election of town officers such as the Moderator, Selectboard Member, Auditor, Constable, Collector of Delinquent Taxes, Cemetery Commissioner, Road Commissioner, Library Trustee, and Advisory Budget Committee members. The voters approved appropriations totaling $7,319.00 for various social service agencies. Discussion and subsequent approval occurred regarding transferring the surplus balance from the General Fund (FY25/26) to reduce the following fiscal year's taxes, transferring the Road Commissioner Fund balance to the Highway Capital Fund, and transferring the Fire Department budget balance to the Fire Department Equipment Fund, following confirmation of transparent accountability for fundraising proceeds. The authorization for the Town Treasurer to collect current taxes in four installments for the upcoming fiscal year was also approved, despite discussion regarding the inclusion of electronic payment options. The voters approved the general and highway fund budget of $541,923.00, which was subsequently amended to $556,922.00 after raising the appropriation for law enforcement services from $1 to $15,000 following debate on service contract details with the Addison County Sheriff. Non-binding business included a presentation on the Taylor Meadow Feasibility study, updates on the upcoming School Board Meeting, and general legislative topics shared by State Representative Kirk White.

Key discussions included the Chair announcing her planned relocation and subsequent resignation, prompting the Board to consider future leadership and continuity, with plans to invite a prospective member to the April meeting. The Treasurer's report confirmed the budget is on track, with an agreement reached regarding signature rotation for library orders. A new 'Free Puzzle Exchange' program was approved for implementation in the lobby using donated puzzles and withdrawn books. Unfinished business involved signing several previously approved policies, tabling policy reviews and discussion on Quintown Outreach, and granting tentative approval for the Librarian's extended leave from February 18 to April 8, pending final date confirmation. New business focused on initiating a mini strategic plan for the remainder of the fiscal year, specifically reviewing goals related to the VERSO online catalog, and tabling further discussion on housing donated books.

The board discussed and approved the timing to implement two additional hours of work per week for the librarian, allowing the librarian to work 16 hours per week with 14 hours in the library and two additional hours from any location. They also reviewed and approved an extended leave policy for the librarian, requiring advance notice and arrangements for substitutes during the leave.

The Hancock Free Public Library Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on budget issues, and the addition of two hours per week to the Librarian's salary until the end of June 2026. Policies for Librarian's CTO and Library's Hours of Operation were approved and signed. There was a review of policies related to Borrowing Privileges, Collection Development, Children in Library, and Librarian's Extended Leave. The implementation of a Puzzle Exchange Table was approved, and the Library Report for the Town Meeting and the budget for 2026-27 were discussed.

The board meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas. The policy regarding "Librarian's Extended Leave" was tabled for the next meeting, while a policy review of "Hours of Operation" led to a motion to remove Juneteenth and Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day from the list of closed holidays. The board organized a "Library as Place: School Days" event program for November 2nd, and approved the reimbursement of refreshment costs. Additionally, there was a discussion about a flyer regarding Library Services, a motion to pay the Librarian for extra time outside Library hours, and a discussion on Quintown Outreach.