Posted June 2, 2006.

Tax-Limit Override for Medway Library Discouraged

Town officials May 22 recommended against the Medway (Mass.) Public Library board’s request for a second ballot measure overriding the state’s Proposition 2 1/2 tax-limitation law. The selectmen instead suggested that the library investigate whether other city departments would accept budget cuts to provide the additional $200,000 the library needs to stay open after July 1 and maintain state certification, according to the May 23 Milford Daily News.

“Meet with other departments to see if you can come up with a rational proposal,” said Selectmen Chairman James Galligan. “I would hope to have a different budget number recommended at town meeting.” Senior Center Director Missy Dziczek offered to provide $20,000 from her budget, but also noted that she spoke for herself rather than the city’s Council on Aging.

“Nobody on this board or the Finance Committee wants to close the library,” said Selectmen Vice Chairman Richard Dunne. “But at the same time, the town said, ‘We’re not giving you any more money.’” Voters rejected a $2.5 million Proposition 2 1/2 override in April to close a $1.9 million deficit.

The library will shut its doors July 1 if voters at a June 12 town meeting accept the Finance Committee’s recommendation to close. If that happens, the approximately 7,300 Medway library cardholders would lose borrowing privileges at other public libraries, including interlibrary loan.

Posted June 2, 2006.