RICHMOND — With survey results suggesting residents think fireworks should be allowed in town and would be willing to borrow money for the town to build a new public library, selectmen are scheduled to meet tonight to discuss both issues.

Selectmen are to meet at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the Town Office.

A majority of residents who answered a recent survey in the town newsletter and posted on the town’s website indicated they support allowing both the use and sale of fireworks in Richmond, according to Town Manager Marian Anderson.

A new state law will allow consumer fireworks in Maine for the first time in decades, starting Sunday. Municipalities may regulate and ban fireworks within their borders.

Some Maine cities, including Augusta and Portland, have enacted ordinances banning fireworks. Other municipalities, such as Farmingdale, have chosen to regulate, but not ban.

While selectmen in Richmond have yet to take action, they have discussed regulating their use but not banning consumer fireworks.

Anderson said officials seem likely to update a 1949 town fireworks ordinance and have that proposal ready for a vote by residents at the annual town meeting in April.

In the same survey, residents also were asked for their opinions on what the town should do for a permanent home for the town-run Umberhine Public Library, which now operates in leased space at 164 Main St.

Anderson said residents who responded to the survey overwhelmingly supported building a new library on the same spot where the previous one once stood, at 86 Main St., and indicated they would allow the town to borrow money to do so.

The previous library building was torn down in March. It had become unusable because of mold and water damage, and it had no functioning furnace.

A committee is meeting to discuss design of a new library, which could be sent out to potential bidders.

Anderson said selectmen would receive an update on the library project at their meeting tonight.

The specific survey result numbers were not available Tuesday, Anderson said.

Selectmen are also scheduled to:

* Hear a presentation on the annual town audit from William H. Brewer;

* meet in a closed-door session to discuss personnel issues; and

* hold a workshop on next year’s proposed budget.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com