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Council votes to pursue CDBG funds to replace library and Hal Holmes HVAC systems
Summary
After a public hearing, staff recommended and the council authorized applying for approximately $1.7 million in Washington State CDBG funds to replace aging HVAC systems at the Ellensburg Public Library and the Hal Holmes Community Center and adopted a grievance procedure resolution required for the grant application.
Housing program manager Lily Fry and Assistant Finance Director Keith Bassett told the council the library’s original HVAC was installed in the late 1960s and the Hal Holmes community center’s system (installed in 2012) will soon reach the end of its planned useful life. Fry said the buildings serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents and are eligible for the Washington State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) general purpose facility program administered by the Department of Commerce using federal HUD funds.
Bassett explained the city has a budgeted balance of about $347,000 toward the project but consultant estimates range from $900,000 to $2,000,000, depending on scope and choices such as a gas‑to‑electric conversion. Staff recommended applying for roughly $1,700,000 in CDBG funds to bridge the gap and allow replacement of both systems, noting federal procurement and contracting rules would apply.
Public commenters stressed the importance of pursuing available grant funds while also raising concerns about reliance on federal dollars and the cost of switching from natural gas to electric heating. A member of the public urged the city to consider local volunteer or donated‑labor options if federal funding is at risk; a utilities commenter asked about the cost and electric supply implications of converting to electric heating.
After discussion the council voted to authorize staff to apply for the CDBG funds and to adopt Resolution 25‑05 establishing a grievance process for the use of CDBG funds. The motion was approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: the HVAC replacements would address aging mechanical systems that provide critical warming and cooling services to vulnerable populations and reduce operational risk for two community facilities; the application would rely heavily on intergovernmental grant funding and would trigger federal procurement rules if awarded.
