City may place bond proposal on ballot to fund new library, other projects

TROY

The Troy Public Library is part of the municipal campus that includes City Hall, the police station and more. ANNE RUNKLE — MEDIANEWS GROUP

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By Anne Runkle

arunkle@medianewsgroup.com

The Troy City Council may place a bond proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot that could fund a new library, street repairs and other projects.

The council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, in the City Council Boardroom at City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, to discuss the proposed bond.

The council does not vote at special meetings, so no action will be taken Wednesday, but details of the potential plans will be discussed.

City Manager Frank Nastasi wrote a memo to the council Monday that summarized the council’s feedback so far on the proposed 20-year bond, which would fund these projects:

• $50 million for a new library

• $35 million for street improvements

• $17 million for parks and recreation improvements

• $10 million for public safety.

Mayor Ethan Baker said Tuesday that the council has not made a decision on whether to put the bond on the ballot or finalized a dollar amount if the proposal goes before voters.

Baker said he thinks $112 million for the projects specified in the memo would address the city’s most pressing needs.

Baker said if the bond is on the ballot in November, the proposal language will be specific about the projects that will be funded.

The council hired an architectural firm in January to create a schematic design and cost estimate for a new library, but no decision has been made on whether to construct a new facility or improve the existing one at 510 W. Big Beaver Road, in the city government complex.

The library’s strategic plan for 2024-28 determined the need for a new building to accommodate the city’s growing population, according to a recent city release.

“As evidenced by national averages for square footage of public libraries, Troy Public Library is about half of where it should be per capita,” said Emily Dumas, library director.

“The library also hasn’t had a major renovation or expansion since 1984, and is thus functionally obsolete as a modern day library. This lack of modernization, coupled with our continued investment in repairs rather than long-term capital needs, presents a very real challenge in providing certain features that the Troy community deserves.”

The council has held several study sessions since January on a possible bond proposal.

In January, the city hired Vettraino Consulting to help with its capital expenditures plan. Jaymes Vettraino from the consulting firm will address the council at Wednesday’s meeting.