By ANGELO LYNN
BRANDON — In another short 35-minute meeting, the Brandon Selectboard dispatched of a light agenda, hearing from former state Rep. Butch Shaw, R-Pittsford-Proctor, holding a final hearing on a library study grant, and reviewing how to spend some of the town’s ARPA funding.
After approval of the minutes, and hearing a condensed town manager’s report, Selectboard Chairman Seth Hopkins recognized former State Rep. Butch Shaw, who had represented Brandon for the previous several years during the public comment portion of the meeting. Rep. Shaw reflected on the work he and others, including Rep. Stephanie Jerome, had accomplished while serving Brandon. After listing many items that had directly benefitted Brandon, he thanked the town for the opportunity and for its citizens’s support. In turn, Hopkins complimented Shaw on his years of service with thanks on behalf of the town.
Representatives from the Brandon Free Library board were there to present an update to the library’s fundraising campaign, noting that representatives have been to many of the area town’s select boards to appeal for a one-time increase in town funding due to the library’s capital campaign. The library’s request from Brandon would be for $100,000, Hopkins reported. Those funds, he said, might come from the town’s ARPA funding, though the selectboard is reviewing all ARPA funding requests since rules over that spending have changed since those funds were initially released.
The board also held a closing public hearing on a $65,000 library study grant used to study the library’s needs and determine a way forward. It was a “very useful and helpful grant,” said Library Board President David Roberts. After a few complimentary comments about the fund and future plans for the library, the hearing on the grant was formally closed.
Hopkins noted that the town budget was being discussed in town departments and by the budget committee and would be discussed during the next few selectboard meetings. After approval of paying warrants due, the board adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
