Whately Boards Approve $12,897 Emergency Library Roof Repair from Reserve Fund

WHATELY -- July 13, 2026, Whately and Sunderland boards vote to cover a $12,897 emergency library roof repair. In a joint session of the Selectboard, Finance Committee, and Board of Assessors on July 13, Library Director Catherine explained that a rotted roof section over the main entrance vestibule, discovered only after months of unexplained mold odor, required immediate replacement through Zachary Construction at a final prevailing-wage cost of $12,896.55, nearly exhausting the Finance Committee's $25,000 fiscal year 2026 reserve fund in a single transaction. The Finance Committee voted unanimously to cover the bill after the Selectboard recommended approval 3-0. The boards also approved a $729.63 Smith Vocational Agricultural High School special education invoice and a contingent package of FY26 year-end budget transfers, the largest driven by roughly $20,000 in electricity overages across town facilities. James Hull was seated as the new Board of Assessors member to replace Mike Skibiski, who resigned June 30, with both boards casting required roll-call votes to confirm the appointment.