Many hidden costs in library proposal

Dear Editor:

Voters should be aware that the $5.8 million bond for a new Woodstock Library on the Nov. 3 ballot doesn’t nearly cover the actual cost of a new library.

Several years ago, architect Stephen Tilly stated a $7 million cost for his building design. The library Board of Trustees paid two more consultants to try to lower the cost. But since the COVID-19 pandemic began, building material costs have skyrocketed, and these high increases are not included in the bond. The touted “mere $7 per month for the average taxpayer” is a sop to get a “yes” vote; it has no solidity.

Please also understand the bond figure does not include the cost of furniture, equipment or materials. And the plan is to nearly double staffing for the larger building. All of this will need to be paid for by a vastly increased annual library budget, paid for by fewer than 5,000 taxpayers.

There are alternatives. Let’s use local architects, builders and artisans to create a beautiful, functional, cost-efficient library. It would represent the best in Woodstock.

What you will get for your $5.8 million is likely a partially built architect’s vision. Yes, it will have a winding staircase as its centerpiece, But will it be a functional library? Probably not, unless you cough up much more money. What a hardship for people already struggling to meet their daily expenses.

The library board gleefully points to newcomers buying houses at high costs. But do the trustees care about long-term residents trying to stay in their homes?

Please consider this as you vote on the bond proposal.

Carol Anderson

Woodstock