Financials & Expenditures

Freetown’s proposed new library and Council on Aging (CoA) building carries an estimated total cost of $26.5 million. The town’s direct financial contribution is projected to be up to $7.5 million. This lower local cost is due to a federal grant providing nearly $10 million and the town utilizing $9.5 million in existing savings. An additional grant may further reduce the town’s borrowing need.

The project will be funded through a 20-year debt exclusion, which is a temporary addition to the tax levy for a specific project, unlike a permanent tax override. For an average median home valued at $531,500, the cost to residents is estimated at about $102 per year for the first two years, declining to $99 and then lower over the 20-year period. This equates to approximately $1.97 per week.

The tax impact from this project is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2029 (FY29). This coincides with the police station’s existing debt exclusion being paid off in FY29, which will reduce the overall tax impact.

Operating costs for the new facility, including additional library staffing (about $50,000 annually for an almost full-time or part-time person) and part-time janitorial staff, are estimated to increase by a net of $45,000 per year. This increase is largely offset by an anticipated $250,000 annual increase in the Amazon Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in FY29, which will be a permanent addition to the tax levy. The current $17.5 million borrowing authorization for the project is a legal requirement by Bond Council to ensure funds if the grant falls through, but the actual borrowed amount will be reduced by the grant funds.

Zoning & Planning

The new combined library and Council on Aging building will span approximately 24,000 square feet, with the library portion being about 11,500 square feet and the CoA about 8,600 square feet, plus a 4,400 square foot community room. The design’s size was dictated by a consultant’s program based on town surveys and population projections, crucial for securing the nearly $10 million state grant. The current graphic is an estimate; the final design details (rooflines, windows, interiors) will be developed over the next year if the project is approved.

The new building will be located on a 32-acre parcel, with only about 4 to 5 acres utilized for the facility and parking, leaving 15 acres protected for natural resources. This site plan also includes a well and sewer system designed to accommodate a future Town Hall building on the same campus, addressing current Town Hall infrastructure limitations.

The two existing libraries (James White and Hathaway) are in poor condition; James White is leased and will revert to its owners, as will the Hathaway Library. The current Council on Aging building will be repurposed into town office space for departments currently renting an annex, aiming to save on rental fees.

Resident Action & Public Hearings

Two votes are required for the new library and CoA project to move forward:

• The first vote will take place at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, June 1st.
• The second vote, for the debt exclusion approval, will occur at a Special Election on Saturday, June 8th, from 12 PM to 8 PM at the Freetown Elementary School. Both approvals are necessary.

Residents wishing to vote by mail must submit their ballot request by 5 PM on Monday, June 1st. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 PM on June 8th via mail or the white drop box at Town Hall, not at the polling location.

The federal grant for the project has a deadline of June 30th for acceptance; failure to approve the project would likely result in losing this grant.

The Hidden News

Residents raised concerns about current tax bills, with one reporting a 30% increase in taxes this year despite the 2.5% levy cap, prompting a recommendation to consult assessors. Questions also arose regarding the transparency of tax bills and if they could itemize debt exclusions.

Public comments highlighted the value of modern libraries as community development and enrichment centers, not just book repositories. One resident praised the town’s $7.5 million share as a “steal” given the building’s size and grant funding, while another emphasized the cost of not building means giving up $10 million in federal funds.

The Town Clerk, Cheryl Estrella, questioned the project’s impact on Town Hall planning, noting that Town Hall (built 1888) is the oldest municipal building and requires updates. She also inquired about moving elections out of the elementary school, as the proposed community room can only accommodate two precincts, while Freetown has three (potentially four by 2030). Town officials expressed a goal to eventually move elections from schools to the new community space, potentially increasing its size with a future grant.

Council on Aging Director Rebecca and Librarian Nicole received praise for their successful programming despite current facility limitations. CoA programs have seen significant increases, including: 55% in support services, 26% in volunteer hours, 162% in medical check-outs, 595% in health/fitness activities. Nicole detailed challenges at current libraries, including no running water or bathrooms at one, and discolored, odorous water at another, leading to families seeking services elsewhere. She also noted that space constraints force “weeding” (discarding) books more frequently and could risk the library’s state accreditation.