The Amherst Town Council motion to rescind borrowing for the Jones Library Renovation & Expansion failed by a vote of 3-9 (1 absent).

Cathy Schoen and Bob Hegner voted with the majority, satisfied with the answers they received about project costs and funding. Councilors Rooney, Taub, and Walker voted to stop the project.

Over 250 people were watching on Zoom. Public comment during the meeting was 2 hours long - all virtual - and tilted towards continuing with the renovation and expansion. Councilors received hundreds more written comments ahead of the meeting, as well.

In his presentation, the Town Manager shared that the general contractor has held their bid from the fall and project costs remain under the $46.1 million borrowing cap, including 8.5% for contingencies. Town Hall will continue with the contracting process.

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Watch Amherst Media's recording of the meeting.

Town Manager's PowerPoint Presentation begins at 16:00

Motion & vote begins at 3:47:15

Councilor Hanneke's statement begins at 3:48:25 - 3 minutes

The roll call vote begins at 3:52

Council President Griesemer's statement begins at 3:53

Trustees President Sarat's statement begins at 3:55:30

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View the packet from the April 14, 2025 Special Town Council meeting on Jones Library Building Project, including the detailed Q&A document prepared for Town Councilors.

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Read coverage of the meeting in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Town Council Nixes Effort to Rescind Jones Library Project.