Voters rejected a $6.9 million bond referendum for a proposed new Plattekill Public Library building Tuesday, with 438 voting against the measure and 289 voting in favor.

The referendum sought authorization for the library to borrow up to $6.9 million to construct a new, approximately 7,000-square-foot facility designed to provide expanded library and community space while improving accessibility.

The vote was 438-289, with the measure receiving about 40% of the vote.

According to information provided by the library, the project was expected to be financed over 25 years, from 2027 through 2051. Using an average assessed home value of $211,900, the estimated additional cost to a property owner was about $165 annually, or $14 per month.

The library said the $6.9 million figure was based on a professional estimate that included construction, site development, professional services, furnishings and equipment, contingencies and other project costs. The bond authorization would have established a maximum project cost, and the library said it would not have been required to borrow the full amount if construction costs came in lower following competitive bidding.

The library also planned to pursue grants and other funding for eligible project expenses outside the bond.

The proposed single-level building was designed with full Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, with no stairs or other barriers, and was intended to provide a larger area for children's activities and programs.

In a 2025 letter, William J. Farrell, president of the Plattekill Public Library Board of Trustees, said the Library Building Committee had spent more than two years developing the proposal.

Farrell described the project as environmentally sound, focused on the library's needs and economical to operate. He also cited improved accessibility for seniors and expanded space for children's programs.

Farrell did not respond to a request for comment following Tuesday's vote.