Williamsburg can afford new library, financial advisors say

Good morning! Williamsburg's advisors say it can easily pay for a new library, but city wants clarity on regional library group. Incumbent Del. Chad Green runs for re-election pushing end to car tax.

Consultants asked residents to voice opinion on new library design, most favored a more traditional look.

Williamsburg’s city council heard supporters of a new library push for the project Monday, and the city’s financial advisor said the city can comfortably borrow the money to pay the cost, estimated at $26 million.

But Mayor Douglas Pons said the city needs some resolution about which local governments will remain in the Williamsburg Regional Library membership before moving ahead with the project. He and all the city council members said at a work session Monday they support the new library.

“We are in an unusual spot,” he said.

Both of the library system’s other participants – James City County and York County – have served notice they want to revisit the 13-year-old agreement.

“I think we need to see that operating agreement revised and understand what that means, so that we can move forward,” Pons told library Executive Director Sandy Tower.

Tower responded she has been in touch wit…