Joint COA-library project faces $30.8 million cost overrun
Library-COA facility project costs surge to $30.8 million from initial $15 million estimate. The joint committee, chaired by Carlos Lopes, discussed significant cost overruns on April 1, with a $10.2 million grant award covering only about one-third of total project costs. Annual operating expenses
Council on Aging - Library Community Building Committee · Meeting of April 1, 2026
FREETOWN — Library-COA facility project costs surge to $30.8 million from initial $15 million estimate. The joint committee, chaired by Carlos Lopes, discussed significant cost overruns on April 1, with a $10.2 million grant award covering only about one-third of total project costs. Annual operating expenses would range from $200,000 to $300,000, potentially requiring a 25 percent property tax increase if approved.
Committee members are exploring cost-reduction measures and pursuing additional grants ahead of a required June 1 town meeting vote for project approval.
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Source: the Council on Aging - Library Community Building Committee meeting of April 1, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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