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Sheridan County approves $150,000 to modernize Palmer Library elevator
Summary
After presentations from the library and its foundation, the board voted to provide $150,000 toward modernizing the Palmer Library elevator so the facility can resume reliable, ADA-accessible service; the county and the foundation will cover different parts of the project and alternates are extra.
The Sheridan County Board approved a $150,000 funding request to modernize the Palmer Library’s elevator after hearing from library staff and the library foundation.
Amy Long, introduced by the board as the library director, told commissioners that Otis—the elevator vendor—recommended a modernization because worn parts put the elevator at end of life and "we can't run the elevator without knowing whether it will actually let people out or not." Long said the elevator has been out of service for about 2.5 months and that the foundation has raised capital funds to support the project.
Shannon Anderson, chair of the library foundation, briefed the board on the foundation’s finances and urged support. Anderson said the foundation’s operating accounts fell from $271,000 at the end of 2024 to $133,000 by the end of last year and that the group has limited additional capital to contribute; she described the foundation as having "dug deep for the library."
Commissioners questioned whether several optional "alternates"—including a battery backup device, interior cab finishes and an air purifier—were included in the $144,500–$145,000 quoted price. County staff clarified the alternates are add-ons, not included in the base modernization quote, and said they would confirm final pricing if the board wanted specifics before work began.
Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to approve the $150,000 funding request; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. County staff and library representatives said the work is intended to restore elevator reliability and address ADA access limitations for the mezzanine and program spaces.
The board did not set a construction start date during the meeting; staff said they will follow up on alternates, confirm the vendor quote and return with any required procurement steps or budget adjustments.
