Blandford Select Board Approves OPM Contract, Library Director Goes Full Time

BLANDFORD -- March 3, 2025, Blandford Select Board approves OPM contract at $72,200 and votes to expand library director hours to 40 per week. The board unanimously approved a contract with Skanska USA Building Inc. to serve as owner's project manager on a grant-funded municipal project, with the fee coming in 20 percent below Skanska's original proposal and $27,800 under the town's $100,000 budget cap. A board member and project staff identified as Nicole noted the broader grant process must be completed by February 2026, with architectural plans due by October or December 2025. The board also voted unanimously to increase library director Nicole's paid hours from 28 to 40 per week, a change estimated to add roughly $17,000 to the town's operating budget, with Finance Committee member Jeff confirming the Select Board's approval was required before the Finance Committee could fund the additional hours. A patron letter from resident Michaela Smith, read into the record, described the library as "far beyond what surrounding communities have to offer."