Board flags building maintenance, HVAC and flexible‑facilities grant as top budget priorities

At the West Bend Community Library’s May 21 meeting, board members spent substantial time outlining facilities and capital priorities they want considered in next year’s budget and for a potential flexible‑facilities grant application.

Board discussion identified building maintenance as the top recurring priority for the 24‑year‑old building. Members noted several items that could be addressed by a flexible‑facilities grant if awarded, including removal of leftover foam insulation on the exterior, repair or replacement of HVAC components and improvements to Patrons Park.

A staff member said the full HVAC system is currently listed in the capital improvement program five years out and that recent inspection flagged refrigerant-valve leaks; the transcript records the comment that the refrigerant used is no longer produced and that a major HVAC replacement could be a “million‑dollar project” if the unit fails. Board members discussed that outcome as a conditional, high-cost risk tied to grant funding availability.

Patrons Park was discussed as having a failing water feature that also traps water in grassy areas; the board has money in the Patrons Park fund and requested cost estimates for tiling or other fixes. The board also discussed demand for study rooms (the transcript notes six study rooms in library inventory) and said additional study space ranks as a candidate project for grant funds.

The board asked staff to circulate the budget-priority notes and to include these items in next year’s budget conversations. Several items — including an automated material handler, inventory wand and expanded study-room capacity — were described as potential ways to reduce staff time or shift staffing needs if funded.

Ending: Board members directed staff to gather cost estimates and to include facility priorities in grant and budget materials ahead of the June meeting schedule.