By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library has issued a lengthy statement in response to the Warsaw City Council’s decision not to support a $17 million bond for renovations.
In the letter, the library defended its request, stressed that several opportunities had been made available in recent months for the public to learn more about the need for repairs, and said a fund has been established to cover the cost of future anticipated repairs.
You can read the statement here.
City Council voted 4-3 against the request in a five-hour meeting with a standing room only crowd on May 18, ending more than two years of plans by the library board for major renovations, many of which are needed to replace aging mechanicals and subpar handicap accessibility.
Opponents to the bond said the timing of the request was not good because of the ongoing efforts by state lawmakers to enact property tax reform, which has created concerns over future revenue reductions.
Some of those who spoke against the bond issue at the May 18 meeting questioned why existing equipment was not better cared for and why a maintenance program was not used.
In the letter, the library defended its efforts to maintain existing equipment, much of which remains in use far beyond what is typically expected.
“Our care and commitment to the building were evident in the fact that so many major systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) were still functioning well beyond their normal lifespans. That was due to ongoing preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacements, as well as standard annual inspections by various agencies over the years,” the statement said.
The statement also recapped various financial setbacks over the years that have put a strain on finances.
“All the while, the library incurred costly repairs that depleted funds — funds and reserves that are limited by Indiana state statute … Despite setbacks, the library has worked hard to ensure continued services without borrowing money. When a bond was issued in 1997 for the last renovation, the library refinanced it and paid it back two years early, saving taxpayers money,” the statement said.
In the statement, the library also announced the establishment of a fund through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
“We will do our best to continue to serve this community, just as we have throughout the years. Costs will continue to rise as our building ages, and equipment will inevitably need to be replaced. We have established a WCPL Capital Improvement Fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation for those wanting to donate. It is our commitment to serve you and your neighbors as safely and effectively as we can for as long as we can,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the library is now left with few good options if more mechanical issues arise.
Library officials, as well as some city council members, expressed fears at the May 18 meeting that future repairs could leave the library in a difficult position without financial flexibility.
State law changed several years ago, requiring library boards to seek approval for major renovation expenditures from a corresponding elected board, and city council was left with the decision.
Under state law, the library can not seek another bond request for two years.
News Now Warsaw sought clarifications on several issues over the past week, but the library declined, saying it needed more time to respond.
The library request is one of three major expenditures proposed in recent months. The other involves the construction of a new library in Syracuse and the construction of a parking garage proposed by the city of Warsaw and Kosiusko County.
The Syracuse Library plan is scheduled to be voted on June 11 by the county council. Details and cost figures for the parking garage have not yet been announced.
