Second phase of Decorah Library Improvement Project wins approval

Posted: Tue, Aug 4, 2020 9:09 AM

The Decorah City Council has approved just under $195,000 worth of work to the Decorah Public Library.

There will be three parts to the latest round of projects at the library. Work on replacing or repairing skylights in the roof of the library will cost $52,428. A variety of painting projects inside the library will cost $43,766. Replacing the existing flooring with commercial grade flooring will cost $98,550.

The approval Monday night by the city council came on a unanimous 7-0 vote. However, the first two phases of improvements at the library have gone over budget, so there was discussion about possible other sources of funding for the projects.

Library Director Kristin Torresdal says the replacement of the skylights wasn't anticipated, but an inspection suggested the work should be done. The library does have some funds set aside, but it will need those funds for another $370,000 in expected future projects. Instead Torresdal says, "We are still seeking cost saving measures where possible and hope to shrink that overage between now and the target completion date of October 30th."