By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
No final costs have been submitted yet, but the Great Bend Public Library staff is grateful the expense will be drastically less than expected when their air conditioner quit earlier this month. Library Director Maribeth Shafer updated the Great Bend City Council at Monday’s meeting that the HVAC system was fixed July 2 without having to replace the heat exchanger.
At the July 1 meeting, councilmember Alan Moeder voiced concern with the city’s contract with the library. Any expense over $5,000 is covered by the city.
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"I know there have been some concerns," said Shafer. "I know the library's HVAC has some bad blood. We're striving to be transparent, clear and keep the city informed. As quickly as we know something, I share it out. If I'm concerned there's going to be a large cost, I want to let you know. I do everything I can to fix it and keep costs at a minimum."
The HVAC at the library was installed in 2015 for $920,000. At that time, there were councilmembers questioning the library’s choice and the city getting stuck with the bill. The city paid for the HVAC system upfront by transferring funds from different accounts. Great Bend put the library on a loan with a two percent interest rate.