Board of Finance sends $1 million Wheeler Library funding question to selectmen for public hearing

The North Stonington Board of Finance voted on Dec. 17 to send an appropriation question for up to $1 million toward the Wheeler Library renovation back to the board of selectmen, asking that the selectmen call a public hearing and, ultimately, a referendum or town meeting for voter consideration.

The board’s action followed an extended discussion of funding options for a roughly $4 million renovation the library has proposed. Committee member Bob relayed a bank suggestion that would split the town’s commitment: “Would you think about taking a half a million dollars out of your designated fund and earmarking that for the library? Let them apply for a half a million dollar loan, which would cut the interest in half,” Bob said. Under that scenario, the town would pledge $50,000 per year for 10 years to cover principal payments, while the library would cover interest.

Jonathan, representing the Wheeler Library, said the library’s ask remains “up to $1 million” from the town and described current fundraising: $600,000 from the endowment and roughly $400,000 in pledges, plus a $2 million state match. He warned that delays or shortfalls could jeopardize other funding the project has sought: “We’ve gone the federal route and we had a $660,000 federal grant that did not come through,” he said, adding that the library needs a town pledge to move forward with the state match and bidding.

Board members debated three basic financing approaches: (1) a town loan to cover the full amount up front, (2) use of the town’s undesignated (unallocated) fund to pay some or all of the cost, or (3) a hybrid combining the two. Several members said they prefer giving voters a direct say via a referendum rather than embedding the full amount in the annual budget. “I don’t think we as the board of finance should make the decision for the taxpayers,” said Gary Anino, arguing for a public vote.

After airing concerns about precedent — including whether tapping undesignated funds would conflict with the fund’s policy purpose — and questions about timing and grant requirements, the board approved a motion to send the $1 million appropriation question to the board of selectmen so the selectmen can schedule a public hearing and the subsequent town decision process. The voice vote passed; no numeric roll call was recorded in the transcript.

The board directed staff to prepare financing scenarios for a late-January public hearing: one showing a full loan option, another a hybrid using some undesignated funds to reduce principal, and a third showing how the expense would appear in the budget over time. Lou was asked to draft the loan presentation and Suzanne to provide current undesignated-fund numbers.

Next steps include a public hearing, additional outreach (board members discussed an every-door mailer), and clearer figures the board can present to voters. The Board of Finance said it will appear at the hearing to explain the financing options and leave the ultimate decision to the town’s process.

The board moved on to its next agenda items after scheduling the hearing and asking for more detailed financial documentation from school and town staff. The board also requested the Board of Education deliver future financial reports in Excel format and to answer outstanding questions about cyber-remediation costs and special-education budget pressures.

The board adjourned after a brief public-comment period.