By Joe Siegel
A debt exclusion, which is a temporary tax increase, to pay for the Seekonk Public Library’s $10.4 million renovation project was approved at Monday’s Special Election. Out of the town’s 12,665 eligible voters, a total of 1,482 or 11.70 percent, cast ballots. There were 855 in favor and 627 in opposition.
Voters at last May’s Town Meeting gave their approval for the project.
The average homeowner (based on a home valued at $541,000) will pay approximately $100.55 per year. Repairs costs account for 86.5 percent of the project.
A feasibility study was conducted in late 2023/early 2024 and the final report was issued last November. Advocates for the project said the library, which was built in 1978, is in desperate need of repairs. There was a heating system failure last winter, which caused the library to close its doors.
The study noted: “The library is located at the site of the former Newman Avenue Landfill. In an earlier study, a structural assessment identified up to 3 inches of settlement at the southwest corner of the library building. The exterior building cladding is visibly deteriorated in many areas, and will need to be replaced. A substantial reroofing project was undertaken in 2008. Overflow scuppers were installed to mitigate an on-going water penetration problem. The roof does not provide the required insulation value. Floor finishes are worn and dingy and ready for replacement. Acoustic ceiling systems show some areas of damage and discoloration as well as areas of replacement tiles.”
“This is already a compromise. We’re not coming for a new building,” Library Director Kathleen Hibbert told the Select Board last March. “We know that ship has sailed but we have been waiting 25 years to make improvements to the building.”
Voters at the October 2022 Town Meeting rejected authorizing funds to construct a $24 million building. The new building would have replaced the current 14,880 square foot facility at 410 Newman Avenue.
A proposal for a $19.6 million library was defeated at the May 2021 town meeting.
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