A projected borrowing request for more than $8 million to overhaul and expand the Vineyard Haven Public Library has been trimmed to $4.8 million after contractors’ bids were finalized this month.

Tisbury voters will weigh in on the project at a special town meeting Dec. 17, followed by a town election Jan. 7 to determine whether they’re willing to override the borrowing limits of state Proposition 2 1/2 to fund the renovation and addition.

A two-thirds majority is required to pass the override.

Last renovated in 1999, the town’s library needs a new roof, shingles, windows, insulation, heating and air conditioning systems, bathrooms, paint, ceilings and carpeting, director Amy Ryan said during a tour of the clean but run-down building last month.

Leaks have caused water damage in several places. — Ray Ewing

Stormwater runoff regularly floods the lower floor, and sewer gas backs up in the toilets, she said.

The proposed renovation also includes an addition, which is being funded largely by donations and money in hand from earlier town appropriations to the library, and a new landscaping plan for the courtyard, garden and front lawn.

A second facilities-related article on the seven-article meeting warrant asks voters for $600,000 from the Tisbury’s capital and infrastructure stabilization fund to hire an architect, engineer and other professionals for a consolidated town hall complex at 66 High Point Lane.

Tuesday’s special meeting warrant also presents voters with a bylaw detailing job duties and powers for the town administrator, a position that is opening early next year when John (Jay) Grande steps down at the end of his contract.

The job description is accompanied by updates to several Tisbury bylaws covering town personnel, finance, procurement, data processing, computerization and the Council on Aging, which will lose its direct power to hire staffers if the article passes unamended. 

Another set of amendments, affecting zoning bylaws, was placed on the warrant by the town planning board, which held several public meetings and a hearing on the proposed changes earlier this year.

The amendments include a new section on accessory dwelling units, clarifying that they are allowed by right within size limitations based on the property’s principal dwelling, and may not be used for short-term rentals.

Another new section establishes the definition and regulations for short-term rentals in Tisbury, and the planning board also is seeking approval to add two associate board members.

A warrant article from the wastewater department asks voters to approve adding the property at 89 Main street to the town’s centralized system.

The special town meeting begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs, which Tisbury has been renting for its meetings while the school gymnasium was being replaced over the past year and a half.

The town election follows Jan. 7 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Tisbury emergency services facility at 215 Spring street.