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Library board ratifies architect contract for Bountiful Branch, discusses site testing and funding
Summary
The Davis County Library Board ratified an agreement with Modern Out West for architectural services for the Bountiful Branch Library and discussed design progress, site testing and financing plans, including use of fund balance and a proposed bond.
The Davis County Library Board on March 13, 2025, ratified an agreement with Modern Out West to provide architectural services for the planned Bountiful Branch Library and discussed design work, site testing and preliminary funding plans.
Board members said the architect team is working on programming and adjacencies — how much square footage each function (reference, stacks, children’s space, offices) will receive — and will develop multiple design schemes for board review. Library staff said the design process will include interviews with former staff and long-time patrons so historical features of previous buildings can be preserved in the new design.
Library Director Josh Johnson said the project team is conducting soil testing and site surveys to verify setbacks and buildable area on the chosen site in Bountiful. He told the board that the project financing being considered includes roughly $4.5 million from the library’s capital fund balance and approximately $6 million from a bond or loan; those figures are preliminary and subject to change with final interest rates and formal approvals. Johnson also said the county treasurer’s office manages the accounts for the funds and that the library’s capital savings have been accumulated since 2017; an audited fund balance will be available in July.
Board members discussed the pace of early-stage projects and noted that site testing, soil borings and survey work are necessary before final design can be set. The board also discussed potential federal changes that could affect tax-exempt bond status and interest rates; members said that outcome would affect financing choices but that the figures presented were rough estimates.
At the meeting, board members moved to ratify the agreement with Modern Out West for architectural services for the Bountiful Branch Library. The motion carried on a voice vote.
What’s next: staff said architects will produce multiple concept schemes, then return to the board for input. Site test results and updated financing estimates will be provided to the board as they are finalized.
