Yarmouth is moving closer to a major elementary school overhaul as the Capital Budget Committee prioritized a $1.5 million feasibility study for the Emmy Small school building during its Monday evening session. The funding, sourced from the town’s free cash reserves to avoid interest costs, represents the final hurdle in an eligibility period with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that expires on December 26. School Superintendent Mark Smith told the committee that securing the funding for this study is the last big step after seven years of applications. The town currently maintains a base reimbursement rate from the state of 57.11% for such projects.

The study will weigh three primary options for the district's future: replacing the Emmy Small building, constructing an addition at Station Avenue Elementary, or building a new consolidated facility at a different site. New School Director of Finance Susan Gillson noted that she is already developing our own 5 to 10-year capital plan for the district to ensure long-term stability. Chair Sandy Fife questioned the timeline of the process, which Mark Smith estimated would take roughly 18 months before a specific construction budget could be presented to voters. Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend Article 13. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The committee also received a significant update on the proposed new community library, where total project costs are now estimated to reach as high as $32 million. Library Director David Aronson explained that while a site has finally been selected, shifting locations multiple times required redoing previous planning work. Aronson noted that architects are currently projecting construction costs at approximately $1,000 per square foot. If the construction budget is $25 million, the total project cost with soft costs could be closer to $32 million, Aronson said, though he noted that state grants and local fundraising would offset the final amount the town would need to borrow. Member Ken Smith asked about the evolving role of modern libraries, prompting Aronson to describe a facility featuring dedicated teen spaces, study rooms, and a community wing for after-hours use.

Committee members raised questions about the fate of existing facilities as new projects take shape. Member Danielle Newcomb asked if the Westworth library would remain operational, to which Aronson replied that its future would likely be a budget and staffing decision for the board. Building Committee Chair Judy added that the South Yarmouth Library Association is being very proactive about fundraising, including the potential creation of an independent foundation to bridge the funding gap. Regarding the Lawrence MacArthur building, Aronson clarified that a requested structural analysis is a sensible step for the town to understand the facility's condition before considering any change in use, which Fife warned could trigger expensive new code requirements.

Recreational and public safety expenditures also cleared the committee's review. A $300,000 package for the Golf Department includes bathroom renovations at Bass River and window replacements at Bayberry Hills. Addressing concerns from Member Danielle Newcomb regarding the impact of future wastewater infrastructure on the driving range, Member George Perkins noted that he confirmed with staff that there would be no conflict for at least two years. Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend the four items under Article 9. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Additional recommendations included $550,000 for a new Fire Department ambulance and a $605,000 land acquisition on Ningham Drive, which utilizes a mix of Community Preservation Act funds and free cash. Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend Article 10. Motion Passed (4-0-0). For the land purchase, Motion Made by G. Perkins to recommend Article 11. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Before concluding, Chair Fife alerted the committee to a budget shift for the Bayberry Hills recharge area design, which has increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. The committee plans to present its final rankings and observations to the Select Board on December 16.