Spring City library trustees say city won’t fund $15,000 in repairs, will seek grants and donor support

Alma Marquardt, chair of the Audrey Pack Memorial Library Board of Trustees, opened the Aug. 13 meeting and trustees discussed planned repairs to the library’s eaves, soffits and paintwork and other facility needs that the director estimated would total about $15,000.

Library Director Cindy Wilkey presented a financial report and multiple handouts on library operations and told the board, “City funding is not available for capital improvements.” That shortfall means the trustees plan to seek funds from the Friends of the Library, the library foundation or outside grants to cover the work.

Trustees noted additional material will be required to finish parking lot repairs and discussed replacing light bulbs throughout the building; the minutes record the need for further materials but do not include a cost estimate for the parking repairs. Minutes from the board’s June 11 meeting were presented and approved; the minutes do not record a roll-call vote tally.

Under new business, Trustee Sean O'Neill was assigned to draft a letter for Chair Marquardt to present to newly elected Spring City Mayor Leon Locke at the next Board of Commissioners meeting. The board also agreed that two trustees will attend the annual Trustee Workshop in Crossville.

The board acknowledged a donation from La-Z-Boy of two reclining love seats and planned to send a thank-you note. No public comment was recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m.

Next steps recorded in the minutes include drafting and delivering the mayoral letter and pursuing noncity funding sources for the estimated $15,000 in exterior repairs.