Arguments For/Against Ballot Question #1 to Replace the Hubbardston Library Roof

Annual Town Election June 12, 2018
Town of Hubbardston
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Question 1: Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $100,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of replacing the Hubbardston Public Library roof, including all costs incidental and related thereto, for the fiscal year beginning July first 2018?

IN FAVOR:

The Library Building needs a new slate roof.

The Library Building houses not only the Hubbardston Public Library on the main floor, but also the Town Offices and Town Records in the lower level and the Hubbardston Historical Society’s Museum and Artifacts on the third floor. This building was a very generous gift from Jonas G. Clark in 1874, who spared no expense and utilized the finest materials. The building is well-constructed and has served the town for 144 years. It is a heavily used building fulfilling many different needs of the town’s residents. The Library building is in need of a new roofing system. This article partially funds a slate roof, restoring the building to the original architect’s design. In addition to its historical and aesthetic value, slate is the most durable and cost effective roofing material. This one year capital outlay exclusion will cost the average household $54. As the only municipal building in Town on both the National & State Register of Historical Buildings, a Yes vote on this article will make the town eligible to apply for a matching reimbursement grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, provided that the roof is restored to its original slate.

Vote Yes!!

Written by the Hubbardston Public Library Board of Trustees

AGAINST:

Approval of the ballot question will allow the Town to assess additional taxes on residents. Proposition 2 ½ imposes limitations on the amount a city or town may raise by taxation. Approval of the ballot question will allow the Town to exceed that limit for one year. Conservative fiscal policy dictates that the Town confine taxes to the statutory limit. The Town may pay for the historical refurbishment of the Library’s slate roof by other means, including reducing current fiscal year expenses or transferring funds from available sources.

Written by Town Counsel

The Town of Hubbardston is required by the provisions of Chapter 370 of the Acts of 2010, entitled, “An Act Authorizing the Town of Hubbardston to Send Certain Information to the Voters Relative to Ballot Questions”, to provide to voters for each question presented to the voters on a Town ballot, arguments prepared by the principal proponents and opponents of the question. While efforts have been made to ensure that the factual assertions set forth herein are not inaccurate, please be advised that the statements do not reflect any endorsement by the Town generally, and the Town does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made.

In accordance with chapter 370 of the Acts of 2010 “An Act Authorizing the Town of Hubbardston to Send Certain Information to the Voters Relative to Ballot Questions,” the Board is required to make certain information available to voters. Arguments “for” and “against” will be published at least 10 days prior to the Election on the Town’s website, at each polling place, at the post office, and at the Town office building. Any resident wishing to receive a copy of the arguments by mail should notify the Town Clerk by calling 978-928-1400, x202 or sending an email to the Town Clerk.