The Hopkins County-Madisonville Public Library is looking for ways to stay within its budget after recent bids for an ongoing renovation project came in far above budget.
The board took no action at a meeting Thursday, but it is moving forward to find ways to stay within its budget of less than $400,000. The bids for the renovation of 425 East Center Street ranged from nearly $604,000 to $813,000.
Library Director Joel Meador says the library’s attorney advised board members on its options regarding the high bids. He says those options include readjusting the plans to the budget, requesting new or revised bids and negotiating with the three lowest-bidding firms.
“The very next step is the project coordinator, Mike Duncan, will meet with the architect next week,” Meador said. “They’re going to be reviewing the information that we have, researching possible options in consultation with the library board’s attorney.”
Meador says during the meeting the board discussed furniture it acquired for the new location from the Laurel County Public Library and the new space’s floor plan in addition to programs at the library’s current location.
“You know, I don’t want people to forget we already have a great library,” Meador said. “It’s just getting us into a permanent home.”
The director says the library board may call a special meeting after receiving Duncan’s recommendations before it meets for its regular meeting next month.
