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Selectboard reviews legal advice and options on selling library building
Summary
Legal counsel told the board the deed contains no restriction preventing sale; members debated whether sale proceeds should be restricted to library use or held more flexibly for town facility needs, and agreed to revisit the motion once offers and facility plans are clearer.
Board members discussed whether to list the current library building for sale after the new facility is complete. Crystal relayed legal counsel’s advice that “the deed doesn't have any of that language around limitations of use,” indicating the selectboard can vote to put the town property on the market. Members agreed the selectboard could initiate the sales process without specifying a buyer or price and that further action (including possible town vote) would follow if petitions or objections arise.
Discussion focused on how proceeds should be handled if the property sells. One selectboard member said proceeds were intended to support library facilities historically, while others worried that earmarking funds too narrowly could constrain responses to town‑wide facilities needs. No final vote to list the property was taken; the board deferred a listing decision until they have a contract offer and more clarity on where town equipment (garage/vehicles) will be stored.
