Library trustees present $617,000 renovation plan and ask council for options

Library trustees presented a comprehensive renovation and repair proposal that included options to patch or replace the roof, restroom upgrades, a parking-lot redesign and new interior furniture and movable, ADA-compliant stacks.

Trustee presenters disclosed a range of costs: a north-side roof repair option at roughly $8,000, a full roof replacement quote at about $58,000, a preferred parking-lot design estimated at $150,600, cabinetry and a meeting room at $91,181, and furniture quotes ranging from about $108,000 to $280,450 depending on the vendor. The presenter summarized the large total: "617,000 almost $618,000." Board members said they have funds on hand but asked council to consider borrowing, a budget amendment, and grant-writing support to avoid depleting library reserves.

Councilors discussed the citys borrowing limit and whether a general obligation or reverse referendum process would be necessary if the city needed to issue debt beyond its cap. Staff agreed to research bonding interest rates and to bring numbers back to the council. Trustees additionally raised a $36,000 quote for basement waterproofing intended to mitigate radon and moisture so the basement could be used safely for staff storage.