Article Summary:

The Peotone Public Library District is facing a significant and unexpected expense after a construction consultant recommended a full replacement of a cast iron plumbing pipe. Library Director Sarah Ehlers reported that the cost for the project is “enormous,” prompting the board to seek a second opinion before committing to the costly repair.

Peotone Library Board Key Points:

• A consultant from Shales McNutt Construction advised the library to replace an old cast iron pipe with PVC.

• Library Director Sarah Ehlers described the potential cost of the project as “enormous.”

• The Board of Trustees has decided to seek another professional opinion on the plumbing issues before taking action.

• The issue arose during a review of plumbing bids for the library building.

The Peotone Public Library may need to undertake a major, high-cost infrastructure project after a consultant recommended replacing a primary plumbing line.

During her director’s report at the June 17 board meeting, Library Director Sarah Ehlers informed the Board of Trustees that she had consulted with John Shales of Shales McNutt Construction regarding recent plumbing bids. According to Ehlers, Shales recommended replacing an aging cast iron pipe with modern PVC piping.

However, the cost to do so was described as “enormous,” raising immediate financial concerns for the district. The specific cost estimate was not disclosed in the public meeting, but the characterization of the expense suggests it is a significant, unbudgeted item.

Given the potential financial impact, Ehlers told the board she is in the process of seeking a second opinion on the plumbing situation to verify the necessity of a full replacement and explore other potential solutions or cost estimates.

The Board of Trustees took the report under advisement and supported the director’s plan to gather more information before making a decision. Large, unplanned capital expenses can often require a library district to reallocate funds, delay other projects, or tap into financial reserves.

The library board, led by President Margaret Horne, continued with its regular business, including approving the payment of bills and adopting new policies, but the looming plumbing expense will be a key issue to watch in the coming months as more information becomes available. Trustees present for the discussion included Treasurer Susan Chisausky, Mary Jane Carlson, Sandra Gall, Vice-President Jean Oliver, and Secretary Bonnie Patek.