False Signs Cause a Stir

The following press release was submitted by Melanie Petrucci, a resident of Shrewsbury and supporter of the library building project:

The Ballot Question Committee of Library Supporters in favor of the proposed rebuild project, up for town-wide vote on Tuesday, Oct. 18, would like to address myths and misconceptions that are being put forth by the opposition. The following claims made by the opposition are misleading and inaccurate:

1. Signs around town stating that the question will be a $19 million permanent override are false. The question is for temporary debt exclusion.
2. There is an $8 million bond on reserve for this project—no further votes are required.
3. The proposed size of the library cannot be any smaller because the grant specifies the size of the building and this proposed size falls within that guideline. Anything smaller would disqualify us for receiving the grant.
4. We will not be filling in the basement with dirt.  It will be reused.  This is a conservative and thoughtful design.
5. Cost to taxpayer is not $20 million. It is $8.76 million or approximately $66.00 per year for the first year and will decrease to $35 for the 20^th year. This is total, not per $1,000 of the property valuation. In other words, this is the annual amount the property owner will pay, on average.

Library information tours are scheduled for:  Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. 

Get all the facts and your questions answered before the election. Sessions sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees. For more information, please contact Library Trustees Chair, Laurie Hogan, lhogan@townisp.com.