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Cash transfer assures library's accreditation

NORTH ATTLEBORO - The Richards Memorial Library's accreditation is safe after the town council approved a request to transfer $64,299 from free cash to the library budget during their meeting on Monday.

Council Vice President Justin Pare brought the unanimous recommendation of the finance subcommittee to the full council.

"There's a formula called municipal appropriation requirement, and the budget cut (we approved) was too much of a cut, which put us above the threshold that would allow for accreditation," he told the council.

"The money is not necessarily needed, it's really just being held so we can check a box with the state," he added.

The majority of the money will most likely be returned to free cash in next year's budget.

Town Manager Michael Borg was happy with the move, "I believe that this is a measure that North Attleboro can take pride in; we have a library system that doesn't require a waver."

Councilor Michael Lenox added, "The library has done wonderful things for a lot of residents of this town and I couldn't imagine our town without having a library working at its fullest capacity.

The council approved the transfer 9-0.

Monday night's meeting is available starting Friday on North TV's Government Channel: Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 23.

It can also be streamed for viewing at any time on any device on the northtv.net website.

Click below to watch the discussion and vote on the transfer.