Library authority approves $27,526 in supplemental funds to finish Eilton branch abatement and repairs

The Sacramento Public Library Authority on Sept. 25 approved a supplemental allocation of $27,526 to help River Delta Unified School District complete abatement and repairs at the Eilton Library, a joint‑use branch co‑located on Eilton Elementary School property.

Deputy Director Keller told the board that construction began in July and was expected to finish in early October, but contractors discovered additional dry rot and abatement needs and rising material and labor costs. Keller said those findings created a budget deficit of $27,739; Sacramento Public Library has $27,526 available in a supplemental fund for the Eilton location and the district would cover the remaining $213.

Keller described the library as a 1,700‑square‑foot, joint‑use branch that has served Eilton residents since 1993 and explained that the River Delta Unified School District’s 2020 Measure J bond (about $45.7 million) funded campus upgrades but left competing priorities across 13 campuses. He said the supplemental funds request would allow the authority to proceed with the project and, if approved, would permit reopening in early November.

Vice Chair Katie Maple and several directors asked for clarity on why costs rose; Keller said the additional dry rot and abatement of historical adhesives were discovered during work. Director Noel Mora noted the branch serves nearby communities beyond Eilton and supported completing the repairs. The board approved the allocation and adopted Resolution No. 25‑49.

The vote was called by roll; the clerk recorded affirmative responses and the meeting minutes state the motion “passes with 8 members voting.” The action covers capital work only; the supplemental funding mechanism is held by the library authority under the joint‑powers agreement for member jurisdictions’ capital maintenance needs.