Budget committee reviews $350,000 warrant article to stabilize Libby Museum building

The Wolfeboro Budget Committee discussed a warrant article to raise and appropriate $350,000 to stabilize and engineer repairs for the Libby Museum building. Town staff described the request as an initial, long‑lapse appropriation to: (1) stabilize immediate structural problems, (2) obtain engineering work to produce prioritized repair lists and cost estimates, and (3) secure pricing for future renovation phases.

Why it matters: Committee members and staff said the museum is historically significant and listed on a state register; the requested funds are intended to prevent further structural deterioration and to produce the information needed for restoration planning.

What the article would do - The proposed warrant reads (as provided in the packet): “To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $350,000 for the purpose of engineering and stabilizing repairs to the museum building and to secure cost estimates for further building renovations and repairs. This appropriation is long lapsing pursuant to RSA 327 and shall lapse on December 31, 2026 or upon completion of the project, whichever occurs first.”

Committee questions and staff responses - Members asked whether the $350,000 would actually allow reoccupation; staff and select‑board representatives said the amount is intended to stabilize the structure and to produce detailed cost estimates for full restoration — it is not a full renovation appropriation. - Staff said an initial technical report from H.L. Turner identified immediate priority repairs (for example, columns and the rear wall) and that follow‑on contractor estimates are needed to develop precise restoration costs. - Committee members asked about existing trust or fundraising money. Staff said an existing museum fund has some funds but that the amount is unlikely to cover full restoration and that further planning is needed to determine how any trust funds would apply.

Next steps and public engagement - Staff recommended issuing an RFP for engineering as soon as the warrant is approved, then using the engineering report to prepare further warrant language or fundraising plans in mid‑2025. The committee asked for clearer breakdowns (engineering vs. physical stabilization) in the packet materials to help voters understand how the $350,000 would be allocated.

Ending: Committee members acknowledged the town’s fiduciary responsibility for the museum and asked staff to provide prioritized cost breakdowns and contractor estimates if the article is placed on the warrant.