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Ellsworth City Council backs federal funding bid, directs manager to pursue $2 million bond match
Summary
In a special meeting, the Ellsworth City Council unanimously approved an amended proclamation of support for a congressional directed spending (CDS) request for the Ellsworth Public Library and voted 5–1 to direct the city manager to pursue a bond anticipation note of up to $2 million as a local match if the federal award is received.
The Ellsworth City Council on Monday voted to show formal support for a congressional directed spending (CDS) request to renovate and expand the Ellsworth Public Library and directed the city manager to seek a bond anticipation note of up to $2 million to serve as the city’s local match if the federal funds are awarded.
City Manager Pierce summarized the proposal and financing options, saying the project is a high priority in the city’s capital improvement plan and that “the library already has around 500,000 cash on hand that could go to a project like this.” He told the council that staff could submit a CDS application this week and that the council could either issue a proclamation of support, authorize staff to pursue a BAN, or do both as signals to congressional offices.
Council discussion centered on how large of a CDS request to make and what level of local match to signal. Several councilors urged asking for more than the staff’s $2.5 million initial figure to increase competitiveness; others cautioned against proposing an amount that would exceed the city’s realistic capacity. Councilor Howerin pressed the council on match strategy and asked why the city wouldn’t show a stronger local match, saying, “I don’t understand why we wouldn't put forward stronger than 50%,” noting that an available, but unused, BAN is not the same as drawing on funds.
Members also cited examples of other communities that received CDS awards after combining local, private, and federal funding. Staff and trustees said the project has gone through needs assessments, public workshops and design work with Sealander Architects and that much of the preparatory work is in place to move quickly if funding is awarded.
After approving a revised proclamation that included a whereas clause noting the library’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places and its long civic role, the council voted on a separate motion directing the city manager to pursue an up-to-$2 million bond anticipation note to serve as the city match should a CDS award be made. The motion passed 5–1. The council then adjourned the special meeting.
Next steps: staff will finalize the CDS application and submit it by the stated filing window; if awarded, the city manager will return to council with details of the BAN and legal terms for formal approval.
