School and library officials have asked the Edgartown selectmen to explore the purchase of a generator to power the new library in the event of a prolonged power outage.

Under discussion is a plan to upgrade the school’s present generator to a unit that could also power the library in an emergency.

Selectman Michael Donaroma, who also sits on the library building committee, said Monday that funds for an emergency generator were cut from the library budget early in the building process in order to keep within the spending limits approved by voters.

That could leave the library vulnerable to a sewage backup or flooding in the event of a prolonged power outage, according to fire chief Peter Shemeth.

“You have a brand new building sitting there with no generator power,” said town administrator Pam Dolby. “That’s the scary part.”

At the annual town meeting, voters appropriated $100,000 for a new generator at the Edgartown School, but it would not cover the cost of buying and installing a generator big enough to handle both the school and the library.

The town will apply for a grant that could cover the extra cost, but those funds would not be awarded until next year.

Selectmen postponed a decision until at least next week, until they can get more information about costs and generator capacity needed.

Also at their meeting Monday, selectmen granted a seasonal all-alcohol license to MV Taco Shack, which plans to open at 32 Winter street. Under conditions set by the zoning board of appeals, the establishment can only serve alcohol with food and must have all customers off the premises by midnight.