City of Decorah officials are studying a proposal to borrow $700,000 to fund improvements to city facilities

Decorah City Hall staffers are proposing to the Decorah City Council that the city borrow up to $700,000 to pay for improvements to several city-owned buildings.

City council members will be asked Monday evening to schedule a public hearing in January on the proposal to borrow money for projects at the Decorah Public Library, Decorah Water Department and Decorah City Hall.

The projects involve roofing,water tanks, roof top air conditioning units, concrete steps and electric repairs.  Although city officials have gotten an estimate that the projects could cost around $500,000, they are asking for authority to borrow up to $700,000 as some of the projects involve older areas of buildings and the extent of the damage or repairs necessary may not be
realized until the damaged areas are opened up.