ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Aberdeen residents will decide the fate of a proposed $8.3 million public library during a special election on Dec. 15.

The City Council earlier approved the project, which includes $6.2 million in city financing and $2.1 million from the Alexander Mitchell Public Library Foundation. People who question the cost launched a successful petition drive to refer the matter to voters.

Brown County Auditor Maxine Fischer says the special election will cost more than $12,000.

The American News reports that absentee voting will start once ballots are approved and printed.

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