Potsdam trustee voices concern over cost of library project

POTSDAM — Construction bids for a proposed library community center in the basement of the civic center could be solicited in about six weeks, but one village trustee is already concerned the project may become more costly than originally proposed.

Potsdam Public Library Director Patricia A. Musante recently presented village trustees with architectural designs for the proposed Cleveland Community Center. The project is being funded by a combination of state grant and library money, as well as a grant from the Frederick W. Cleveland Foundation.

Ms. Musante said the library currently has about $160,000 on hand for the project.

The original Cleveland Center project called for using about 800 square feet of the basement to build a multipurpose room and work areas for literacy volunteers. But the conceptual drawings she showed village officials this week included plans to finish other parts of the room, including a new lobby and bamboo flooring.

Ms. Musante said the library is only planning to go to bid with the original, smaller center, and stressed the extras shown in the architectural rendering are only conceptual.

"If the bids come in low and we have leftover money it is just something that we might consider doing in the future," she said.

But Potsdam Trustee Steven W. Yurgartis said he's worried taxpayers could end up footing the bill for potential cost overruns.

"I am a big fan of the library, I think they do great work, but I also have a fiscal responsibility to village residents, and in this case I am little concerned about the library plans," Mr. Yurgartis said.

Mr. Yurgartis said he is disappointed the library has decided to move ahead with a $46,000 bathroom renovation project in the basement, of which the village board has agreed to pay $11,500. He has repeatedly argued that a cheaper way to repair the old toilets could have been found.

He said he is now worried the entire Cleveland Center project itself, and not just the renovated bathrooms, could cost taxpayers too much.

"I was surprised they intend to ask for bids on an expanded plan, potentially costing the village additional money, without first discussing options with the village board," Mr. Yurgartis said.

But Ms. Musante said the library has no intention of letting the community center project balloon out of control.

"If the bids are too high, then we simply aren't going to do it," she said.