By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington alderman is calling on the city to proceed in phases, even smaller than currently planned, for public library improvements that may run in the 10’s of millions of dollars.

At a work session Monday night, city council members informed the library board they favor library remaining at its current site on East Olive Street.

But, the two government bodies are far from deciding whether to construct a new library there or rennovate the existing building…with the price tag ranging from $30 million to $39 million.

Alderman David Sage said budget challenges down the road require the city to take an incremental approach to such a large project.

“The phases themselves may have to be even subdivided a little bit smaller,” said Sage.

Library Board President Alex Cardona said his board agrees with a phased-in approach as long as the project accomplishes the library’s space and maintenance needs.

“We’re not looking at rushing into any construction,” said Cardona.

“But we have an urgency to make a decision just because of the immediate needs that the building currently has,” Cardona also said.

Alderman Sage said the city council needs to have a serious discussion about spending priorities before determining how much taxpayer money is available for the library.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]