"We are in desperate need of a new roof," said Kompanik, who told council that the first phase would cost as much as $20,000.
Kompanik said most library boards own their buildings and can apply for grants from the state for improvements; however, the Logan County Library building is owned by the city and-- according to Kompanik-- that closes the doors to this funding.
"We have had a 20-year lease with the city which ran out," Kompanik said. "We don't know where we stand at this point, but we know we cannot apply for theses grants unless we own the building."
Councilwoman Jean Hankins disagreed with Kompanik, saying she thought the lease was for 99 years and that she felt the library could apply for grants.
City Attorney Bob Hedges corrected Hankins and said the lease was for 20 years but after the time was up it was supposed to begin again.
According to Hedges, the original contract that was between the city and library held the library responsible for all maintenance needed for the building.
Kompanik said the board knew this but the library prefers to spend its money on programs and literature rather than using it for structural repairs. She noted that they weren't asking for the city to foot the bill, only to be enabled to apply for grants.
Hedges advised Council if they gave away the building, it could be sold by the board in the future, but with a 99-year lease with a clause that says the building must be utilized for library purposes, it would both protect the property and allow the board to apply for grants.
Kompanik disagreed, saying the highest state grant she wanted to apply for calls for ownership of the property.
"In the future, the board will be forced to look at building a larger library," said Kompanik. "We already have problems with parking because we have no more room. Most libraries use the equity in their property when they get ready to build."
Councilman Howard Wren, who serves on the deGraffenried Board responsible for funding the library's construction, said the library was an educational institution for the citizens of Russellville, but he didn't know if legally they could turn the property over to the board.
Kompanik told Wren the library serves all of the county and not just citizens of Russellville. Wren responded by saying, "That's the problem."
It was asked by Council if the county contributed in any of the library's funding. Hedges said no.
Council tabled the decision for further inquiry into legal matters concerning the building and if it can be deeded away.
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