City supports mold removal

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June 20, 2007

City supports mold removal

http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_171091623.html

Council says problem at the library needs to be addressed

By Steve , countyreporter@...

The Laurel City Council Tuesday orning voiced its support of the Laurel-

County Library's mold abatement program.

" If we're going to continue to have a library, we need to make up our minds to

support it, " Mayor Melvin Mack told council members during a public works

meeting that followed the regular council meeting.

Library director Louise Breland asked the County Board of Supervisors

Monday morning for its support, and asked the board to take the lead in solving

the problem. Board president Andy Dial said the board would " see what it could

do. "

Breland made the same request of the council during its Tuesday meeting. " We ask

the council to take over the project, " she said. " We appreciate any help you can

give us. We want the city to do it for us. "

New estimates on a new air conditioning/dehumidification system are needed,

because pre-Hurricane Katrina estimates were $134,000. " It's probably 35 percent

more now, " she said.

The mold is in the upstairs portion of the library, jointly owned by the city

and the county, and is especially a problem in the genealogical section and the

Mason Room, where the Council of Garden Clubs of Laurel and County meets.

Breland feels the city and the county should share equally in correcting the

problem due to the joint ownership of the building.

" I have no problem with doing our share, " council member Tony Wheat said. " I

would like to see what the new figure is going to be. "

Council member Tony Thaxton said he is " anxious to get something done " about the

mold. " I'm 100 percent in favor of the city doing what it can. "

Council member also expressed his support of combating the mold

problem but reminded the council that an additional one mill was designated to

the library three to four years ago. " We did that so they wouldn't have to come

to the council every year at budget time requesting funds, " he said.

City Administrator Suddith said the mill generates approximately $131,000

annually.

The council voted to authorize an application process to the Mississippi

Development Authority for a $3,000,000 loan for the expansion of the coil

winding division of Industries. The expansion is expected to create 173

new jobs. The addition of a 120,000 square foot building will consolidate the

coil winding division. The funds are designated for economic development use

only.

The council also approved the appointment of to the board of

directors of the Economic Development Authority of County.