Woolwich voters will choose between raising $80,108 requested by Patten Free Library, or $8,500 to purchase library cards for residents who can’t afford one, at a special town meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. Reconsideration of the articles is in response to two legal opinions recommending the re-vote. The meeting is at the elementary school.

Selectboard Chairman David King Sr. said there'll be three articles on the warrant for voters to consider. The first to elect a moderator, the next to decide whether voters want to raise the $80,108 requested by Patten Free, and a third to consider raising $8,500 to purchase the library cards. The articles will be the same as what voters considered at the annual town meeting. 

“If voters pass article two raising the money the library has requested, then article three becomes unnecessary and will be dismissed,” explained King. During the selectboard's discussion May 13, King suggested doubling the amount to purchase library cards to $17,000. It was decided to stay with the $8,500 voters had approved at the annual town meeting. He said if the article for purchasing library cards passed, monies not spent would be returned to the town’s undesignated fund balance, or carried forward to next year.

Residents in support of and opposed to Patten Free Library’s funding request crowded into the hearing room for the meeting that began with the selectboard weighing whether to hold the special town meeting on a Saturday morning.  They rejected this saying it would be easier for office staff to hold the meeting in the evening. The meeting must be held before June 30 – the end of the town’s fiscal year.

In response to questions from the audience, King said all voting would be carried out on written ballots, adding a Sagadahoc County sheriff’s deputy would be at the town meeting to provide security. It was suggested an informational meeting with library officials could be held prior to the town meeting.  

The decision to hold the special town meeting followed legal opinions from Kristin Collins, the town’s attorney, and Maine Municipal Association. “Both advised us to revote it,” Selectman Jason Shaw said. King and Selectman Allison Hepler said they personally wouldn’t be making any motions to the articles during the special town meeting.