Town Meeting Members Approve Library Expansion Project

While opposers said the project can be reduced to save money or postponed, the majority of the town meeting members voted to move forward with the library expansion project at a special town meeting last night.

With the state grant funding assured by 2014 for the project, voters will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed project in October.

Supporters of the library project say that renovating the current library would cost upwards of $6.4 million, and with the state reimbursement program, the cost for the new library to the town would be $8.76 million, with the total project costing $18.47 million.

Through the grant and private fundraising, more than half the project would be funded.

The town's portion would be part of a 20-year bond at 4.5 percent, which would be an average cost of $65.89 per average residential taxpayer in the first year and by the last year, the cost per resident would be $35.90.

All other articles on the special town meeting warrant were also approved, including a 2 percent increase, requested by the Personnel Board, for PAT/dispatcher groups in town, which include support staff and other part-time employees.

The Personnel Board is also proposing a 2 percent cost of living increase for department heads in July of 2012 as well.

For a complete list of the warrant articles, click here.