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Council split over whether to poll or rush library bond to ballot as patrons and advocates press for action
Summary
Council members clashed over a proposed quick poll and possible November bond placement for a new Troy Public Library. Proponents urged expedited polling and a November ballot; others cited staff capacity, needed qualitative engagement (focus groups/task forces) and overlapping school/county millages as reasons to delay.
An extended exchange at the March 23 Troy City Council meeting laid bare sharp differences over how and when to move forward on funding for a new Troy Public Library.
Council member David Hamilton pressed for a rapid third‑party poll and a July timeline so council could decide in time to place a stand‑alone library bond on the November ballot. Hamilton argued waiting would further expose library staff and patrons to a deteriorating building and that a timely poll could show whether a narrower, library‑only proposal would pass with higher turnout.
Opposing views: several council members — including Rebecca Chamberlain and others who comprised a working majority during the discussion — cautioned that staff capacity is constrained and that…
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