More Funds May Be Needed For Scranton Library Boiler

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – Although Madison voters have committed $9 million to the $15 million Scranton Library expansion project there is concern that more money may be needed to replace the aging HVAC system in the building.

Library Committee member Woodie Weiss has told the Board of Selectmen that the overall library project didn’t include buying a new boiler to heat and air condition the building.

He said a new system would likely cost about $250,000.

Weiss told the skeptical selectmen that it would be money well spent because a newer, most efficient system would likely safe the town money over the long run.

First Selectman Tom Banisch said he was open to the discussion but not ready to commit to the funding when none of the $9 million allotted by residents for the project has been spent yet.

He asked that the selectmen be presented with more information and justification for the expenditure before the board approves such an expenditure.

Selectman Bruce Wilson agreed with Banisch’s statements, stating the selectmen would need more justification before he would get behind the idea.

The total estimated cost of the expansion project is $15 million paid in part by a $9 million bond approved by the voters of the Town of Madison.

The Library Board of Trustees is committed to raising the remaining $6 million. Currently the Library has raised more than $5 million of this goal.

Image via Jack Kramer