WARSAW — A $50,000 matching opportunity has been pledged to the Warsaw Community Public Library Capital Improvement Fund, a component fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The $50,000 gift will match dollar-for-dollar donations to the fund through Dec. 31.

The Warsaw Community Public Library Capital Improvement Fund was established by Friends of the Library to provide support to the Warsaw Community Public Library for capital improvements including but not limited to equipment repair or purchase and facility renovations or improvements.

The donor, Ora Waverly Conlan, has fond memories of the Warsaw library, remembering her childhood library card number to this day, even though she is now 92-years-old. Conlan acknowledges the library as the place where she and her brother received their early childhood educations through books and programs.

She hopes that her gift will help inspire others to preserve the historic Carnegie Library building, but more importantly to ensure that the library continues to serve as an educational, cultural, social, and civic hub for generations to come.

This week's announcement is the second major $50,000 effort established in recent weeks after Warsaw City Council in May turned down a request from the library board for a $17 million bond needed for renovations and replacement of numerous aging mechanicals.

The first gift was from the Franklin I. and Irene List Saemann Foundation.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. is a public charity whose mission is to bring caring people and charitable endeavors together to inspire generosity and strengthen communities. The Community Foundation grants over $4 million annually in the areas of education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services.

Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.

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WARSAW — Warsaw Community Public Library appears to have dodged a bullet recently when it was closed for a day last week.

The problem involved an electrical shortage with a chiller that keeps the server room cool.

Library Board President Chris Merrill explained to the board Monday what happened over the long Fourth of July weekend.

Staff leqarnd about it when they came into work the following Monday. 

"It was over 80 degrees (inside) and the server room was over 92. Generally, as best practice you want to make sure and shut off your server hardware once it hits 90 degrees or higher to protect the equipment because it is very expensive," Merrill said Monday.

Unfortunately, a computer that sends out alerts on such mechanical issues did not work, he said.

“It's what manages the lights, the sprinkler system, the HVAC, every piece of it is managed by this computer that's very old and it has a habit of seizing up and we haven't replaced it because it's a half a million dollars to replace ... by itself. That's just the computer.  So we have not done that yet. We were counting on the bond to do that so we're going to have to make other plans, Merrill said.

Merrill said the situation would have been worse if the HVAC system had failed. That would have involved closing of the library for at least two weeks.

On Monday, the library board outlined new priorities including upgrades to the cooling system in the server room. Another priority is replacing the dry sprinkler system but that cost is expected to be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Merrill said the board has had a priority list in recent years, but updated it to focus on short-term needs after a $17 million bond request by the library was rejected by Warsaw City Council in a 4-3 vote on May 18 after a five-hour meeting.

He said the board will rely on money from its rainy day fund for part of the most immediate repairs.

The board can't seek another bond for two years and has turned to relying on fund raising efforts.

A newly established fund has received about $72,000, including a single $50,000 contribution.

Board members expressed gratitude for the strong start to the campaign effort and encouraged the public to learn more about how they can assist.

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WARSAW – Mayor Jeff Grose predicted another bond issue of some sort will eventually be considered by the Warsaw Community Public Library after a $17 million bond issue failed earlier this year.

Gross talked about the library's future a day after the library was temporarily closed on Monday due to mechanical issues. Library officials now must deal with aging infrastructure and a lack of money to cover future repair costs after City Council voted down a major renovation proposal.

“We'll just have to see what we can do over the next 12 to 24 months … to assist them like we have been doing any way we can to getting that bond on the table, in the public arena for consideration and a vote.”

Soon after the vote, the library established a capital improvements campaign to raise money to cover the cost of anticipated repairs.

A week ago, a $50,000 donation was announced to support the capital fund.

Grose applauded a recent $50,000 donation to the fund and said the community will have to look at other ways to support the library.

"We'll see how we can assist them because — guess what — they're part of the downtown, they're part of the city of Warsaw," Grose said.

“I’m trusting the process, I'm trusting the leadership at the library, I'm trusting the community that they will navigate and work through the issues that they're facing and I'm here (and) willing to help.

Grose made the comments for In the Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media radio stations. 

Grose didn’t say what a new proposal could entail, but council had previously looked at the idea of a bond that would focus solely on replacing major mechanicals.

The May 19 vote means the library board is prohibited from seeking another bond within two years.

Also during the interview, the mayor offered some thoughts on the proposed roundabouts on Pope Street as well as the city-county parking garage proposal.

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WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library unexpectedly closed on Monday due to mechanical problems. 

The announcement was posted on the library's Facebook page, and it was unclear how soon it would reopen.

The closing comes just seven weeks after the library unsuccessfully lobbied for support from Warsaw City Council for a $17 million bond needed for extensive mechanical repairs and renovations.

Library officials have seen a mounting number of ongoing and looming mechanical issues, but City Council turned down the request amid a growing backlash from some taxpayers.

The 4-3 vote against the bond leaves the library without a chance to seek any bond for two years and the board, along with Warsaw Friends of the Library are seeking donations for future capital improvements.

Just days ago, the library received a $50,000 donation from an existing fund at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

Library Director Heather Barron, who spent two years working on the renovation plan, announced her resignation days after city council defeated the request.

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News Release
.
WARSAW — The newly created fund established to cover the cost of capital improvements at the Warsaw Community Public Library has received a $50,000 grant.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation announced on Thursday that the Franklin I. and Irene List Saemann Foundation recently presented a $50,000 check to the Warsaw Community Public Library Capital Improvement Fund, a component fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation..

Established by Friends of the Library, the Warsaw Community Public Library Capital
Improvement Fund was created to provide support to the Warsaw Community Public Library for capital improvements including but not limited to equipment repair or purchase and facility renovations or improvements.

The Franklin I. and Irene List Saemann Foundation was created by the Saemanns to benefit
culture, education, and healthcare. In addition, the Foundation regularly makes grants that
support libraries, volunteer programs, hospitals, colleges, and other organizations.

Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. is a public charity whose mission is to bring
caring people and charitable endeavors together to inspire generosity and strengthen
communities. The Community Foundation grants over $4 million annually in the areas of
education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services.

Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit
www.KCFoundation.org, call 574-267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.

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WARSAW — Nearly 400 people attended Tuesday's speech by Holocaust survivor Irene Miller, and one of those was 103-year-old World War II veteran Charlie Garner.

Miller, a 94-year old Jewish woman who now lives in Michigan, stood and spoke for nearly 90 minutes without notes as she told of how she and her family escaped the horrors of the Holocaust which led to starvation, months of living in a frozen field, and her stay in a Siberian labor camp.

Garner, a U.S. Army veteran had a seat up front at the Performing Arts Center r the and was part of a rapt audience that listened to Miller's experiences as a child who survived the Nazi atrocities and emigrated to the United States at the age of 21. 

News Now Warsaw caught up with Garner afterward and asked about his impressions of the speech.

“Oh, it was great, yeah,” he said. “She understands what's going on, and that's the important thing.”

Garner was part of the invasion of Omaha Beach and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Later, his unit left Europe and was was sent to Japan.

He later grew to understand a distant, fleeting connection to the death camps.

“The only thing we did find out was that there was an odor that we didn't understand and that was the odor of death,” Garner said. "I don't know how close we were — I had no idea because I was driving the Jeep.”

Garner had a chance later on Tuesday after the speech to talk with Miller and purchased a copy of her memoir, Into No Man's Land.

He also offered his thoughts on the rise of antisemitism, which Miller addressed during here presentation.

“I know this Semitic thing is out of hand. People are not understanding the oral history,” he said.

The event was part of an exhibition at the Warsaw Community Public Library.

Adult Services Director Jacob Schreiner offered a quick critique. 

“The personal story of her really put a humanizing face on a very massive event,” Schreiner said. “I was just thrilled that so many people from the community showed up to experience a really awesome opportunity.”

You can learn more about events related to the exhibit at the library website.

[caption id="attachment_132852" align="aligncenter" width="341"] Another guided tour of the Holocaust exhibit at the Warsaw Community Public Library is today beginning at 3:30 p.m.[/caption]

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WARSAW — Fundraising efforts are underway at the Warsaw Library after the Warsaw City Council turned down its request for a $17 million bond two weeks ago.

The Warsaw Community Public Library Board met Monday for the first time since the 4-3 vote that was fueled by taxpayers opposed to any increase in their property tax bills.

The May 18 vote essentially prohibits the library from seeking another bond issue for two years, leaving it to raise money on its own to cover major expenses that could arise.

As a result, the library has established a capital improvement fund with the Kosciusko County Community Foundation to help cover anticipated future expenses related to mechanical systems and infrastructure.

At the same time, the Warsaw Friends of the Library has launched its own fundraiser to assist with renovations, and the library board is now working to prioritize its most pressing needs, says Board President Chris Merrill.

Merrill, along with other library supporters, has warned that without several upgrades, the library could end up closing.

The all-Republican city council, in a rare moment of division, labored over the decision at the end of a five-hour hearing in which library supporters, educators and a few community leaders spoke on behalf of the need to fund needed renovations.

Opponents contend the library has been mismanaged and said the extensive renovations were more about wants than needs.

The library board is now left hoping the community will step up and assist financially

“We could have and probably would have had it either way. It's a lot more important now, right, because we don't have the bonds, and now we have to depend on essentially the goodwill of our fellow patrons here. I think it's fair to say that that triggered it becoming an important thing instead of a good to have. It's now it's a need to have.”

"We can't save enough money to do some of the larger things. It's just impossible. So we're going to try to prioritize and just try to hit the most important things so that we don't get condemned, right? That's the goal now, is try to get away from being condemned," Merrill said.

The new foundation fund includes a matching grant opportunity of up to $10,000, thanks to an anonymous donor, Merrill said.

Library officials said they were heartened by the support.

Merrill said they are still learning the rules of how a library can raise money, including the fact that such donations have to be tied to specific repairs.

The board also named Dana Owen as the interim library director, replacing Heather Barron, who recently resigned.

Barron said last week that she informed the board of her decision to take a new job before the city council vote, but did not announce it until afterward for fear it would distract from the debate.

Owen has been with the library for 34 years and currently serves as director of technical services. 

Other than staff and media, the only other guests at the board meeting were Andy Semler and November Kelly, who said they were representing the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

“We were very disappointed by the recent vote that denied important funding to our library, and we want to know how we can get involved in our community and help to promote the local resources that are so important," Semler said 

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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.

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WARAW — Renovation plans by Warsaw Community Public Library were scuttled Monday night in a tight vote by the Warsaw City Council. 

Five hours of debate led to a vote minutes after midnight on Tuesday morning for a bond sought by the library to pay for $17 million in renovations.

The decision came down to the wire on a three-to-four vote that rejected the bond proposal. 

Councilwoman Diane Quance made the motion to approve the bond issue. Council President Jack Wilhite and Michael Klondaris voted in favor.

Those opposed were Cindy Dobbins, Juergen Voss, Jerry Frush and Josh Finch.

The defeat will prevent the library from trying again for two years and leaves officials in a difficult position as they now must prepare to cope with the Carnegie Library's aging infrastructure and very little money to pay for improvements.

While opponents complained about the $17 million price tag, supporters said waiting later to renovate the 100-year-old building and its mechanicals, roof, and lack of adequate handicap accessibility would become significantly more expensive as prices continue to rise.

Library officials said the annual tax impact of the bond issue for owners of a median-priced home in the district would cost about $50.

Opponents point out that the true cost, which calculates interest, would bring the total to upwards of $28 million.

Many of those who spoke at the meeting and opposed the plan said they loved the library and appreciated its importance, but many said the timing is bad because of significantly rising property taxes and uncertainty over property tax reform efforts. 

Voss said he appreciates the role of the library, but said constituents he talked with are upset about property taxes.

"People are definitely stressed," Voss said. "When I got my taxes this time around, they went up 20%. I know people whose taxes went up more than that. They went up that much last year. That means my taxes double every five years. It's out of control."

Wilhite expressed concerns about the future.

"Do we want our library to continue serving this community for generations to come or are we willing to risk losing it? I believe the library is currently in a vulnerable position. In my view, one or two major infrastructure failures could force it to close its doors. 

Klondaris echoed Wilhite's concerns.

"My fear is that if we say we can't do this, we're one catastrophe away from losing our library," Klondaris said. "I don't want to be responsible for that."

Library Director Heather Barron said the library had previously scaled back its original proposal of around $22 million to a minimum level that would suffice.

Some people question why the mechanics were not better maintained over the years. Barron said many of the mechanicals have already far exceeded their life expectancy.

She said the library has a small rainy day fund that struggles to generate enough money to cover repairs or save for major projects.

The library renovation plan was one of three big capital improvement projects that have been under consideration. The other are contruction of a new library in Syracuse and and c city-county parking garage in Warsaw — both of which will soon be decided by Kociusko County leaders.

Klondaris said he does not believe the parking garage will move forward.

The county commissioners are expected to take a stand soon on the parking garage, but the county council could also have a say on the issue.

A  decision on the Syracuse library is expected to happen June 11.

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — In what appears to be growing opposition to new government spending, three major proposals in Kosciusko County, including two that face crucial votes in the next five days, could be in jeopardy.

Recent changes in state property tax policy have led to uncertainty on the local level about future spending plans.

In Kosciusko County, that appears to be fueling some opposition over proposals for two library projects as well as a city-county parking garage plan in Warsaw.

The first decision could come Thursday night when the County Council will vote on whether to support the construction of a new library in Syracuse, as sought by the Turkey Creek Public Library Board.

The Syracuse Library has already secured land for the project on Dolan Drive, but it's unclear how much construction might cost. According to an agenda for the county council meeting, the library is expected to seek $7.3 million through an additional appropriation from the council on Thursday.

County Councilwoman Rachael Rhoades says she's gotten lots of calls in opposition to all three projects, and on her Facebook page, she's urging the public to attend tonight's meeting and express their opinions.

“It's not government money. It is our constituents' money, and we need to be in constant communication with them and make sure that we're being transparent,” Rhoades said. “I believe that they need to be at these meetings where we're gonna make these decisions and that way they have the opportunity to let their voice or their opinion be heard.”

She also said she hopes the Warsaw City Council is mindful of public concerns when they meet Monday to consider supporting the Warsaw Public Library's $17 million renovation plan.

City Council has the final vote over the library's bond issue for the work.

While all three projects have merit, Rhoades said the timing is not good right now for taxpayers.

“These families are struggling. They can't afford these taxes ..."  Rhoades said.

"It's devastating," she said.

There are other signs of growing weariness over new spending. 

Rhoades said she believes Don Wiesehan’s opposition to the parking garage in his primary victory over incumbent commissioner Bob Conley was a factor in his victory on May 5.

Conley and fellow commissioner Sue Ann Mitchell have not taken a firm stance on the issue, while the third commissioner, Cary Groninger, has come out in support.

A final vote by the commissioners is expected in the coming weeks.

The commissioners have been working with the city on the parking garage, which many contend is needed to accommodate county employees and visitors to the county Justice Building.

Part of the funding plan for the parking garage would rely on $5 million from the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) fund established by state lawmakers.

The county has also acquired land south of the American Legion via eminent domain for the parking garage.

Warsaw leaders argue that a garage is needed for a growing downtown and would spur more economic growth.

An exact price tag for the parking garage has been announced, but officials have suggested it could be upward of $15 million.

Rhoades points out that if the commissioners approve the plan, the County Council — which conrols he purse strings of county government — will still have the final vote.

"I really hope that if it continues and it does get presented to the council as a project for consideration, I am going to do my due diligence and encourage those around me to say no to this for now,” she said.

In another sign of taxpayer animosity, a Facebook page titled Kosciusko County DOGE recently surfaced and appears to mirror federal efforts led by President Trump to reduce spending a year ago at the start of his second term.

The federal effort, led by Elon Musk, was ultimately short-lived and caused controversy, but was widely embraced by fiscal conservatives.

The county DOGE page seeks to scrutinize local government spending and is urging people to attend the two upcoming meetings.

Rhoades said she supports the effort.

“I agree, I think we need to look at all the dollars. It’s sad that it takes those to do that, right? I mean, we should be able to do that as elected officials (and) look at our dollars and make sure that we're being mindful as we're considering the spending and that we're communicating with our constituents," she said.

Thursday's County Council meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the courthouse. 

Warsaw City Council's meeting on Monday at the police department training center will begin at 7 p.m.

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