The only way the Patten Free Library in Bath will get the $44,000 requested from Woolwich voters may be through a successful citizen's petition.

In a special selectmen's meeting, Monday, April 14, the board voted 4-1 against putting an article on the town warrant that asks voters to approve the requested amount. Instead, an article will ask voters to raise $20,000 to be set aside to reimburse residents who pay for a library card at the library of their choice. Reimbursement will be made in any amount up to $20 per person, paid upon receipt of proof of purchase.

The selectmen permitted comments from concerned Woolwich citizens regarding their action. Janine Lipfert urged the selectmen to reconsider their decision and allow the citizens of Woolwich to decide the issue.

Mark Smith told the selectmen he benefits from the library and asked them to consider thinking differently about the issue. Cathy Cyrus said, "The citizens of Woolwich need to vote on it. It feels like you are taking something away from us."

Ann Pierson expressed concern for the library users, especially the low-income families that can't afford cards. "Children need to read," she said. "They do not buy books, they go to the library and borrow books. To some children it is their only resource. I would not like to see that taken from them."

Arlene Whitney said the selectmen and the town administrator had not been treated professionally when requesting information from the library representatives.

The selectmen requested a list of Woolwich cardholders but the library has refused to release that list, citing a state law which relates to the release of materials borrowed from libraries, not the names of card holders.

Selectman Todd McPhee said that when the selectmen asked library officials for information, including the number of current card holders, some of their figures changed.

"We felt like we were getting the run around," McPhee said.

"I am not here to represent the library," McPhee said. "I'm here to represent the town," he said. "I am trying to look out for the best interests of the town. The Patten Free Library has not been forthcoming with us. They have not provided us with the answer to some of our questions."

Selectman Lloyd Coombs, the only selectman in favor of placing the $40,000 library request on the warrant, said he believes the selectmen should put the article on the warrant, and give the voters a choice.

Lipfert said, "You have not seen the end of this."

Selectman Dale Chadbourne said, "Yes, it may be forced upon us by a citizens' petition."

After the discussion, Chadbourne, the chairman of the board, asked if any of the selectmen wanted to reconsider the motion. No one offered to make the motion. McPhee then moved to place an article on the warrant to have the $20,000 set aside for library card reimbursements. That motion carried 4-1, with Coombs voting in opposition.

In other business the selectmen voted 5-0 to ask the voters to raise $217,000 for the solid waste contract awarded to Pine Tree Waste.

Coombs asked the selectmen to consider not funding the fire department vehicle replacement account for the next five years, while the town is paying about $30,000 per year for the town's new fire truck.

The board agreed to consider Coombs' suggestion; however, they wanted to discuss the issue with the town's fire chief before making a decision. Selectmen Dan Skillin pointed out the fire department's tank truck is 22 years old.