Sixty-year-old Mike Matley has been caring for the Westborough Public Library for the past 23 years. He was initially brought on to the staff as a custodian, but his job grew into something much more – both professionally and personally. An expert on the intricacies of the 103-year-old building, Matley serves as a caretaker, treating the building as if it were a second home.

“There are 755 light bulbs in the library,” Matley shared. “I keep an inventory.”

Giving a tour of the building, he pointed out the furniture that he built, displays that he organized, the indoor basement garden that he tends and the collection of stuffed birds that have been an attraction near the Children’s Library for as long as most can remember.

“I always wanted to hang a sign that said ‘Don’t feed the birds, they’re already stuffed,’” he laughed. “But Carolyn didn’t like signs in the library.”

He was referring to longtime Library Director Carolyn Delude, who retired in 2010. She initially hired Matley as a custodian, he explained, then increased his responsibilities. “She realized I was responsible and intelligent, and she started to see that I could take care of things like the electric and plumbing,” he said. “I can assess a situation and make a recommendation. If something happens, like if the pipes burst, I can come in on my off day.”

Always on call for the library, Matley said he never took a vacation week. He lives alone in Holliston with his dog, Ransom. “I have simple needs,” he said. He explained that he enjoys cleaning because it gives him a sense of accomplishment.

His “office” is in the basement of the building. Tucked into a corner, with the bare stone walls of an historic structure, is a small makeshift room. Lined with photos of his late mother and father, a beloved dog that had passed, Jesus and a recent photo of a chipmunk that he took, the room holds a tidy collection of books and cleaning supplies.

He has accumulated 1,600 hours in sick time that he has never claimed. He works six days a week and always on Sundays. “Carolyn wanted someone in the library on Sunday. Somebody who knows every quirk in the building, in case something happens.”

While prepared for the unexpected building mishap, Matley admits that he was not prepared for a meeting in November with Library Director Maureen Ambrosino. She told him that the Library Board of Trustees approved a proposed budget cut that would eliminate his position on June 30, 2012.

“I was devastated. I was in shock,” he recalled. “I didn’t sleep for 24 hours.” He paused as he recalled the news, then he added, “This is my life.”

In a proposal outlined to the Board of Selectmen by Town Manager Jim Malloy at the Jan. 10 meeting, taxpayers will save an estimated $152,000 by using a contracted custodial service to replace three fulltime custodial positions in town. This includes the position of Matley, who makes about $47,000 a year, according to the Annual Town Report.

“We constantly hear from residents about the cost of providing services,” Malloy told Westborough Patch. “We are trying to hold the line by cutting services that don’t have a direct impact on taxpayers and the services they receive.” Matley’s job falls into that category, Malloy said.

Matley said he understands the need to cut expenses, but he feels strongly that the town may end up paying more to replace the work that he does than it will save by cutting him. “That was all I kept thinking that night,” he said, remembering the restless night that followed his meeting with Ambrosino. “So I wrote a letter to the Trustees.”

In his letter, dated Dec. 19, he wrote, “I would like to suggest that if my current job was reclassified as Library Facility Manager, a non-union position, it would prevent union ‘bumping’ and allow me to continue serving you and the public as I’ve faithfully done for the past 23 years. I have a vested interest in the staff and building. I know the quirks and idiosyncrasies of both.”

In the four page letter, Matley detailed his responsibilities outside of traditional custodial work. The list included things like setting up computer cable connections and equipment for presentations, maintaining the HVAC system, scheduling electrical and plumbing work, distributing delivery packages throughout the building, maintaining locks and assisting in moving book displays.

“I have the ability and willingness to respond to security issues nights and weekends. At the request of various staff, I have tactfully dealt with inebriated, homeless, belligerent and suspicious acting patrons over my years of service," he wrote.

After reviewing the letter, the nine member Board of Trustees met in December and voted unanimously to retain Matley’s position. Unfortunately, there is no money to keep him. Board members addressed the Board of Selectmen at the Jan. 10 meeting to request funding.

With about two dozen supporters lining the back wall of the small Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Mike Matley listened as Library Trustees Pat Fontes and Karen Fay addressed the selectmen on his behalf.

“Can you make cuts to retain his position?” asked Selectman George Thompson.

“I don’t think so,” Fontes said. She told Thompson that the library budget would need to add $36,000 to the bottom line to keep him.

“We’re just getting the budget this evening,” Selectman Lydia Goldblatt told the Trustees. “We will take this under consideration.”

The Board of Selectmen and Advisory Finance Committee will analyze the FY13 budget proposal between now and the March 17 Annual Town Meeting, at which time voters will have the final say. The current FY13 budget proposal totals approximately $93.5 million, an increase of 3.6 percent over FY12.

Matley said he was humbled by the turnout on his behalf. He said that the group included friends, Trustees and co-workers. “They are like my sisters,” he said of the library staff. “I used to say they were like my big sisters, but I’m getting older now.” He laughed at the thought.

“I was surprised they all came…it gives me hope.”

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