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Monkton to vote on new town hall, library

MONKTON — On Town Meeting Day, Monkton voters will be asked to consider a $1 million bond to fund the construction of a new town hall and library on the 5-acre parcel of land on Monkton Ridge that the town purchased with funds raised through a 2006 bond. Town officials say the current town hall and library are insufficient for Monkton’s growing needs.
This proposal is the third version that the town has brought before Monkton voters — the first two proposals, which had price tags of $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, were rejected by voters. Town officials are optimistic that this proposal will be a winner.
“We sent a brochure to all residents, had a public meeting on Jan. 26, which was attended by over 50 people,” John Phillips told the Independent in a recent email. “The response was very positive.”
The second public meeting on the upcoming bond took place on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Monkton challenged architectural firms to find a design that was energy efficient, consistent with the aesthetic of the town, and cost less than $1 million. The winner was Naylor & Breen Builders of Brandon, whose single-story design includes space for the municipal offices and the library as well as multi-purpose meeting rooms for the community. The addition of the new building would also create a town green for famers’ markets and celebrations, the town said in a brochure.
The historic town hall would remain in its current location. Town officials would continue to use it until the new building is finished, which is targeted for November. After that, town officials said that they would continue to maintain an interest in the old town hall and look for interested parties to take over management of the facility.
The $1 million bond would have a term of 20 years and, according to official estimates, would increase the property tax rate by no more than 5.25 cents. For every $100,000 of property value, homeowners’ taxes would increase by $52.50 annually. The bond does not cover what officials call “soft costs,” like insurance or furniture.

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