J. V. Fletcher Library Project History

Westford submitted an application for a library construction grant to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) in 2017.  Westford’s request was restrained.  With a library size of., Westford’s expansion proposal that increased the library size from 22,456 sq. ft to 35,159 sq. ft. 

Rendering of renovated and expanded J. V. Fletcher Library in Westford.  Source: westfordlibrary.org.

The Westford project was originally estimated to cost $21 million, and it was awarded an MBLC construction grant of $7.9 million, the 4^th highest of the 33 projects receiving MBLC awards in the 2016-2017 grant round.  The cost estimate subsequently rose to $32.5 million which warranted additional escalation funding from the state of $829,263.

The Westford Library Foundation has set a fundraising goal of $1.5 million. 

Westford, with the approval of its Finance Committee, Select Board, and Town Meeting, chose to ask voters to fund the library expansion through a debt exclusion, outside the limit of Proposition 2 ½.  Enticed by the multi-million-dollar state grant, Westford voters approved the debt exclusion in November 2022. 

Financial Woes Follow Funding of Westford Library Project
The tax impact on a median-assessed home of $660,500 for the J.V. Fletcher Library Expansion was projected to be approximately $159 in 2027. While accepting this long-term add-on to their taxes, Westford voters chose to reject a second debt exclusion on the same ballot that would have funded restoration of the town’s former central fire station for government offices and a large community meeting room. The median tax impact for this project was estimated to be $82.  Westford had already committed $900,000 toward the approximately $12 million project.

A little over a year later, however, it became apparent that a more serious financial crisis loomed.  The Select Board proposed a $6.8 million Proposition 2 ½ override to address a projected budget shortfall in FY2025 and the following three years.

Westford Town Meeting agreed to put the override on the May 7, 2024 election ballot, spread across two questions. The average single-family home, now assessed at $756,500, would have its tax bill permanently increased by approximately $764 in FY25 and beyond. Both questions were defeated.

When the extent of Westford’s budget deficit became clear, the Town began having second thoughts about its large financial commitment to the Fletcher library project. Town officials consulted with the Massachusetts Dept. of Revenue about rescinding the debt exclusion or modifying its purpose, but found no easy escape from the financial bind.  According to Library Building Project FAQs,

“The Town contacted the Division of Local Services (DLS) to ask the mechanics of rescinding a debt exclusion vote once it is passed, and under MGL Ch 59 Sec 21C, there is not process that expressly authorizes communities to rescind a borrowing authorization to the extent that funds are unencumbered.”

Westford town leaders are now dealing with severe repercussions.  Painful staff reductions have been announced.  And last month the J. V. Fletcher Library reported that, after cutting its operating hours by 10%, it would be asking the MBLC to waive decertification of the library for failing to meet the state-mandated municipal appropriation standard by $71,500.

Recently, the Town has requested a waiver from the state library standard.   If this waiver is not granted, then Westford will lose all state funding for the library and be left with the entire $32.5 million cost.  

Reference:   Jeff Lee, Amherst INDY December 20, 2024