By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Air conditioner issues have forced the Great Bend Public Library to be closed the past few days. Already replacing a pump, technicians believe the heat exchanger is now the source of the problem.
The City of Great Bend has a strong interest in maintenance and infrastructure at the library because the city’s agreement is to pay for any capital or expense over $5,000. Councilmember Alan Moeder said he has an issue with the current contract with the library, specifically since the city did not have a role in the HVAC system the library chose.
"They went with a very high efficiency system which is really great when it works," said Moeder. "In my field, when they go down, it's very expensive to fix. We didn't get a choice in what they picked, so I have a problem in us having to pay for their maintenance. I think we need to look at their contract."
Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson said Library Director Maribeth Shafer is working to get a quote for the expense. In the meantime, the library has been too hot for staff or patrons at this time.
"During budget discussions with Maribeth, we asked her to put a capital improvement plan together for the library," said Anderson. "She's done that. I know a rough draft will go to her board at their next meeting."
After receiving $650,000 in this year’s budget, the library requested an additional $50,000 from the city for the library’s 2025 budget.
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"I have found out through my work it ends up costing you more money with the system they have because maintenance is so high to fix stuff than what you think you're saving," said Moeder.