Residents react to library funding decision

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-06-29/Community/Residents_react_to_library_funding_decision.html

Some Arundel residents are weighing their options after the town cut its funding of Kennebunk Free Li- brary. (Amber Carter photo) Arundel residents spoke out at the June 25 selectmen’s meeting about the town’s decision to cut funding for the Kennebunk Free Library.

Town Manager Todd Shea suggested that those concerned are able to petition for a special town meeting. However the cost of the meeting will fall on the town.

Arundel residents Sam Hull, Darren Keller and Pam Wuerthner all expressed interest in putting together a petition.

Selectmen 

Chairman Velma Hayes cautioned them in doing so, however; “You may find doing a special town meeting, that those who voted against it in the first place will be charged a fee,” she said. “They might come out, irate and vote it down again. Or with the new information presented, choose to vote for it.”

The comments among the residents and selectmen at the meeting indicated confusion in the way the article was presented. Some selectmen said that they, along with the budget board, had not been aware a library card fee would be charged had funding been cut. 

Library Director Jill LeMay said the library’s board of trustees hadn’t expected funding to be cut, so they did not bring it up prior to town meeting.

“We weren’t anticipating that we wouldn’t be funded,” said Assistant Director Janet Cate. “That is why the fee wasn’t mentioned. It costs money to run a library.”

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