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Selectmen discuss Russell Memorial Library appraisal; defer funding decision to next meeting
Summary
The board agreed to obtain an appraisal (estimated $4,500) for the long-vacant Russell Memorial Library to inform disposition and potential minimum-bid strategy, but tabled funding and return-to-tax-roll decisions to a future meeting.
The Acushnet Board of Selectmen discussed options for disposition of the long-vacant Russell Memorial Library and agreed to pursue an appraisal to determine market value before moving forward with any sale or bid process.
Staff noted the building has been vacant for about 11–12 years and described accessibility and remediation challenges. The recommended commercial appraisal fee was cited at approximately $4,500; staff said state statute (read in the meeting as "section 16b of state law") guides disposal procedures. Board members requested that the historical commission and the library trustees be consulted to identify features to preserve, and they asked staff to research funding sources for the appraisal. One member moved to place the appraisal funding discussion on the next agenda; the motion carried so the board can decide where to draw appraisal funds and whether to set a minimum bid if the property is marketed.
The board emphasized the goal of returning the property to the tax rolls while avoiding a sale that would result in loss of historically significant features.
