SOUTH DEERFIELD — Proposed renovations and a schematic building plan for the Tilton Library were hot topics during a special town meeting this week.
By a large majority, the voters passed a motion on an article that gave library trustees the ability to apply for, accept and expend state grants to help fund renovations to the library on North Main Street. Another article to accept a schematic design, which maps out what the library needs, also passed popular vote.
The motion doesn’t mean the town has committed to any particular project, but does mean that the project can move forward in the planning process. After planners know how much the town can expect in grants, they can design the building within a specific price range. As of Monday’s meeting, officials didn’t have a projected cost for the project.
A proposed state grant, which the trustees intend to apply for, would cover half of the cost for library renovations and additions, but needs to be applied for by spring 2017 at the latest. If awarded the grant, the town would be responsible for coming up with the other half of expenses.
Some at the meeting argued that the grant should be used to fund a joint-use building to also house other town organizations, such as the senior center; however, the grant only covers library capital projects and cannot be used for other purposes.
Daniel Pallotta, who works for Project Planning Professionals, a service hired by the town to help in the planning process, said more than 30 libraries are expected to apply for the grant. Of those, about 10 will receive the grant in the first year. The others will be placed on a waiting list.
According to Pallotta, the sooner the town applies, the higher its chances of being awarded the grant.
“We’re looking at another eight to 10 years before this grant comes again,” Pallotta said. “We’re advising you as a town, as professionals hired to help you, to get your grant in as soon as possible.”
Opponents of the articles said the planning process has been too hasty and decisions are being made too quickly.
Both votes are dependent on a third vote, which will happen at another town meeting, before the grant is signed. If that vote fails to pass, both articles that passed Monday will be void.