Unspent Library project funds total over $275K; County recommends partial distribution

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to distribute unexpended Eastern Shore Public Library construction funds as stated in the June 21, 2023 lease agreement.

As of March 31, 2025, a total of $276,592 in unexpended funds remains in the Eastern Shore Public Library and Heritage Center project fund. This figure includes both the leftover project contingency and approximately $225,000 in schedule delay damages collected by the County from the original contractor through mutual agreement.

With the project now effectively complete—only minor, non-material issues remain—attention has turned to the distribution of the remaining funds.

Under the lease agreement executed on June 21, 2023, between Accomack County and the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Shore Public Library, Section 7(e) provides for the pro rata distribution of any remaining funds one year after the lease date. These funds may be divided among Accomack County, the Library Board of Trustees, and the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation, based on each entity’s contribution to the construction—excluding any state or federal grants. Final distribution is subject to the discretion of the County Administrator and approval by the Board of Supervisors.

County staff is recommending that $120,062 be distributed to the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation, representing its proportional share under the lease terms. The remaining $156,530 would be retained by the County to support outfitting the future Community and Economic Development Office, which will be located in the former library building in Accomac.