MRRL drops plan to expand Osage County branch

The Missouri River Regional Library (MRRL) board has decided not to purchase the entire Linn building where its Osage County branch currently occupies the basement.

Jane Dolan, board member and a representative for the Linn-based branch, reported the news to the board during its Tuesday meeting. She said the building would cost $425,000, but the facility needed extensive repairs to the HVAC unit, duct work, plumbing, water heaters, roofing and drainage system.

This would drive up the final cost, and the owner was not willing to negotiate the purchase price, she said. The MRRL board does not have plans to seek another building and will remain in its current location off of East Main Street.

At its meeting, the board voted to approve a $256,500 bid from Air-Master Heating and Air Conditioning to replace the Jefferson City library's damaged chiller and cooling tower, expected to be completed March 1. Money for the project came out of the library's reserve fund. Three companies bid on the project and Air-Master was the low bidder.

The library also sought bids for a new fire alarm system, but consultants with the board felt the bids - ranging from more than $39,000 to $49,500 - might be too high. Library administration will research prices before accepting bids or looking for more.

MRRL Director Claudia Schoonover announced the board will soon start forming its 2016 strategic plan, which will include goals and missions for the library from 2017-20. Board members will review the library's current strategic plan during its November meeting.