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South Berwick council votes to move forward on Town Hall renovation, to seek $7 million on November ballot
Summary
Following public feedback, the council approved moving forward with architect-recommended plans and authorized town staff to work with the attorney to place an estimated $7,000,000 warrant on the Nov. 5 ballot for the Town Hall project; both motions passed 4–0.
Councilors summarized public hearings and community emails showing broad support for renovating Town Hall. The council voted to proceed with plans presented by the architects (Oak Pointe/West Architects) including optional "nice‑to‑have" elements, noting it is usually cheaper to include additions during initial construction rather than later. The motion to proceed with the plans passed 4–0.
Council then authorized the town manager to work with the town attorney to draft warrant language for the November 5 ballot to fund the project, with an estimated project amount of $7,000,000. Council members noted the estimate could change when the project is bid; options include accepting the architect’s plan or returning to redesign and rebid if costs differ. The motion to authorize drafting ballot language and pursuing the warrant passed 4–0.
Next procedural steps are to finalize warrant wording with counsel, vote on the warrant at a subsequent council meeting to place it on the ballot, and, if voters approve, proceed with architect selection and construction bidding.
