Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the main staircase and elevator as work on replacing tile flooring continues at the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County Public Library is requesting the county’s approval to appropriate funds for an unexpected expense — updating its elevator, which is more than 50 years old and broke down earlier this year.
The library’s board of trustees voted on July 10 to seek the Bartholomew County Council’s permission for an additional appropriation of $200,000 from the library’s operating fund reserves. Library director Jason Hatton expects to present the request to the council at its Aug. 8 meeting.
“We know we have more expenses than we expected with the elevator,” said Hatton. “And so that, it just isn’t going to work with our budget.”
The library’s elevator stopped working on March 24 but has since been fixed. Nevertheless, the library still plans to replace the device and has contracted a company for this project.
According to Hatton, $200,000 should be more than enough to cover the work and provide some “cushion” in case costs are higher than expected.
“Because that appropriation would kick us above the maximum levy growth quotient for this year, that means that county council has to approve that for us,” he said.
While the approval process does not require action from the library board, Hatton requested that the trustees take an official vote to show their support. He added that he feels optimistic about the request, as the library is requesting use of its own funds.
The board voted in April to approve a $119,900 bid from the Oracle Elevator Company for the project.
For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
