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Library's Roof Repair Can't Wait Until Winter
(posted August 10)
The Speedway Public Library's roof chronic leaking problem has finally
reached an emergency status repair situation, according to the board. The
board declared the deteriorating rubber roof an emergency at their August
6 meeting. The board did not think the roof could withstand the weight
from a heavy snowfall because of the problems occurring now from the heavy
rains.
The roof problems have been ongoing since it was constructed in 1991 and
the heavy rains are continually causing problems, leaving the library with
repair bills around $1,000 per heavy rain event.
The board needed to call it an emergency to have the repairs done before
winter. Without the emergency status, the board could not spend the money
until the 2008 assessment is finished. The Department of Local Government
Finance has extended the local units of government budget submissions until
December 1. The delay prevents local units from filing additional appropriations
unless there are emergency declarations.
Library Finance Manager Cheri Haymond said additional appropriations will
not be heard by the DLGF until 2008 budgets and rates are certified. She
expected that to happen in February. Library Director Darsi Bohr said the
library's 2008 budget did not include roof repairs, so a loan is necessary.
Legal Counsel Robert Lutz said there is "a factual basis to substantiate
the emergency" expenditure because of the water damage to the computers
and other areas in the library.
He cautioned the board about watchdog groups monitoring emergency declarations.
Watchdog groups bring lawsuits against governmental entities for not following
the rules. It can cost the taxpayers a substantial amount if a lawsuit
is successful. He said the legal challenge will not be about rain damages,
but the legal issue of the board foreseeing a problem and not budgeting
for it.
The board will seek three requests for proposals from contractors for a
special August 27 meeting at 6 pm. The proposals will be reviewed by a
local architect.
Lutz also advised the board to notify the town council of the upcoming
debt. He said the debt might also need City County Council approval as
well.
The board also conducted a public hearing for the 2009 budget amount of
$906,000. The new law requires the capital projects to be moved inside
the levy to explain the larger number.
Bohr also said the library plans to participate as the book cart drill
team in the Speedway Parade on September 20.
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