Library Bond Issue Hearing on Tap for June 11

Yes, there will be a public hearing on a $2.6 million bonding issue to fund  a proposed project to expand the Tolland Library into the adjacent gymnasium at the Hicks Municipal Center. 

The Town Council approved June 11 for the hearing on Tuesday. It is a meeting night for the council with a 7:30 p.m. start. 

The vote came two weeks after the council was deadlocked over setting a date. This time around, it was five for, none against with Sam Belsito abstaining. Belsito has been critical of the plans, though he insists he is not against the library as a public service. 

Several residents spoke at Tuesday's meeting in favor of the project. The meeting also included a presentation by library officials on the need for the expansion. The plan is to add square footage to enhance the library's shelf space and make it a modern community focal point. 

Advocates of the program have been putting pressure on the council to set the public hearing. One of them is Democratic Town Committee Secretary Steven Jones, who collected 230 names on a petition. Jones has also been critical of Belsito. 

In addition to the library pubic hearing, June 11 will feature voting in the special election for the 53rd state House district. The seat became vacant when Bryan Hurlburt resigned to take a federal agriculture position. The race is between Democratic candidate Tony Horn of Ashford and Belsito, the Republican nominee.