The Yarmouth Library Building Committee is bracing for what Chair Tom Pson describes as a dogfight at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, as the committee navigates a volatile financial climate marked by a $3 million school district deficit and competing multi-million dollar infrastructure needs. During their February 19 meeting, committee members candidly discussed the political hurdles facing the library project, acknowledging that while the state is prepared to cover 40% of construction costs through grants, the local share remains a point of contention for residents on fixed incomes.

The debate over town priorities took center stage as members analyzed the current mood of the electorate. John Greco expressed significant concern regarding the timing of the proposal, noting that this is the worst year I've seen to bring a new project on board due to a sour sentiment regarding the school budget and statutory obligations for water and sewer projects. Greco warned that voters may view the library as a discretionary expense at a time when they are already fed up with the school budget. He emphasized that the town's statutory obligations to water infrastructure will always take precedence, creating a narrow path for new initiatives.

The potential impact on property taxes remains the primary concern for residents, a fact acknowledged by several committee members. Marcus McGarin reported that the question he is asked most frequently is whether the project will trigger a tax hike. I've been saying we are the least expensive project in Yarmouth, but I don't have the exact number, McGarin said, highlighting the need for finalized financials to provide clear answers to the public. Susan Brida pushed back against the idea of further delays, characterizing the state grant as low-hanging fruit that would return state tax dollars to the local community. Brida argued that Yarmouth has been overlooked for construction money for two decades and warned that if we don't have resources for families, we won't have that population here.

The committee is currently awaiting a second cost estimate, with final reconciliation expected in early March. Chair Tom Pson cautioned against the long-term costs of inaction, stating that the town cannot continue to apply band-aids to its aging facilities. Deferred maintenance is not money saved, Pson said, adding that choosing not to invest in growth is a blueprint for stagnation. He reminded the committee that if the town does not approve the project, the dedicated state grant money will simply be redirected to the next municipality on the list.

In terms of public outreach, the committee is intensifying efforts to reach residents before the March 9 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) meeting. Susan Brida reported a significant offer from the local Cultural Center, noting that the acting executive director, Ian, offered the facility for meetings or programs at no cost. Brida is also working to condense a four-page fact sheet into a single-page flyer for distribution through school parent-teacher organizations and local "blasts." I'm waiting until we get the funding piece so we can fill that in so it's ready to go with everything on it, Brida noted regarding the flyer's completion.

Other outreach efforts include a planned appearance by Pson on a town podcast on February 26 and a presentation to the Chamber of Commerce on February 25. Judy Tarver shared updates on community networking, though she noted some challenges with reaching the Senior Center. I left a message at the end of January with the program person, and that person never got back to me, Tarver said. However, she reported success with St. David’s, where trifolds have been placed in the common room and information will be included in the Sunday bulletin. John Greco also noted he has been distributing materials at the Family Table Collaborative and local food pantries.

Logistical hurdles remain regarding the production of an informational video for the project. While the committee has drafted a script for a 10 to 15-minute video, there is uncertainty about who will handle the technical production. Greco noted that while the library has the necessary equipment, it may be an overstepping of staff duties to produce it internally. The committee plans to seek guidance from town staff regarding whether to utilize Channel 8 cable or an outside videographer to ensure the production remains strictly informational.

Earlier in the meeting, the committee addressed routine administrative business. Motion Made by M. McGarin to approve the minutes of January 29, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0. The committee also noted that the Owner's Project Manager (OPM) procurement process is currently underway, with the town awaiting responses from qualified firms. The LBC is scheduled to meet with the CIP committee on March 9 to discuss the library's place in the town's broader capital planning ahead of the Annual Town Meeting.