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Local lawyer offers to restore Carnegie Library; council approves surplus sale amid public debate
Summary
The Wagoner council approved declaring part of the Carnegie Library property surplus and authorized sale to Amy McFarland, who told the council she plans to restore the building despite an estimated $1 million total repair cost and immediate roof repairs estimated at $65,000–$75,000. The meeting included extended public comment and an exchange over social-media accusations involving a local business.
Amy McFarland addressed the Wagoner City Council to outline her bid to buy and restore the historic Carnegie Library building. McFarland said the building has been vacant for 25 years and described extensive water damage, mold, broken windows, and collapse of interior sections. She said she received contractor estimates and expects the roof alone will require $65,000–$75,000 in repairs and that full restoration could approach $1 million over time. "It's gonna cost disturbingly 1,000,000 dollars to fix it," McFarland said, adding she plans to proceed incrementally and solicited volunteer help and contractor input.
City staff and council members noted the city lacks funds to fully restore the structure and recounted previous grant searches and repair attempts over many years. A city representative said an appraisal dated May 15, 2025, placed value at $50,000; other internal notes referenced an assessed/excess value figure in a different context. Council discussed ADA and hazardous-substance disclaimers in the appraisal and the need for further investigation prior to complete rehabilitation.
During the same agenda item, business owner Steve Nicholas of Rogers Drug addressed the council after a councilmember’s social-media post suggested "dirty deals" involving local property sales. Nicholas asked for clarification and an apology; Councilmember Gala Wright apologized in the meeting, saying she had intended to raise questions about process and single-bid concerns and not to impugn Nicholas or his business. "I apologize to you," Wright said in chamber.
The council voted to declare the specified part of Lot 1, Block 343 surplus and authorized sale to Amy McFarland. Two councilmembers abstained from that vote; the motion carried. The council and the public emphasized the need for careful oversight of any restoration work and noted that substantial remediation, especially of mold and structural issues, will be required before reuse.
The council directed staff to proceed with the surplus-sale process as authorized; McFarland said she will begin immediate efforts to secure contractors and document the building’s condition.
