The 186-13 ballot, far above the necessary two-thirds majority, allows groundbreaking for the new town hall, library and community center building in about six weeks. Completion is projected by the end of next year.

Lee’s annual town meeting overwhelmingly rejected borrowing $12.5 million to build a community center. Proponents say they will continue to work on a proposal acceptable to taxpayers. Meanwhile all other articles passed include the fiscal 2023 budget of $24.6 million.

Richmond officials will ask residents to approve borrowing an additional $1 million to cover soaring costs associated with the town center project, bringing the total pricetag of the new town hall and library to $8.2 million.

The Lee Finance Committee has urged the annual town meeting to reject borrowing $12.5 million to build a new community center. The panel deems the project too expensive for taxpayers at this time. The meeting is May 12.

The Lee Youth Commission wants to build a $12 million community center. It has unveiled to the Select Board three options it had studied, and concluded that a center with two basketball courts, a wellness center and two community rooms would be the best option.

Lee townspeople seem to generally support having a Lee Community Center, but cost and location are growing concerns among some residents.

The Lee Youth Commission is holding a public meeting Nov. 3 to discuss a proposed community center for the town. A consultant is conducting a feasibility study to determine what type of center the town wants and needs — and can afford.

The Lee Youth Commission is conducting a marketing analysis and feasibility study to see what type of community center the town wants and can afford. 

LENOX — It took only 75 minutes for annual town meeting voters to approve $29 million in town spending — it includes $14.2 million for public …