VERNON — Rotted wood and leaning windows along the north end of the Vernon municipal complex have been resolved.
The much-lamented structural woes caused by years of leaking water have been rectified, and the city anticipates completing renovations to the walls and roof and windows, to be complete in two days, Mayor Glenn Crawford announced Monday during the city’s council meeting.
“We’ve put a contractor to work, which we’re able to do as long as we’re below bid laws,” Crawford said.
Crawford said state bid laws require any project costs over $15,000 must go through a bid process to determine the lowest cost for the work.
In previous weeks, council members had brainstormed ideas to address the issues. Costs varied depending on the scope of the work, including a $35,000 estimate to replace the entire roof. Crawford said the city would address the repairs in three phases: ensuring trusses are structurally sound; addressing sagging windows; and repairing the floor, which has water underneath it.
The north wall encompasses two museum rooms, an art room, the historical society, part of the library and two rooms that are awaiting renovation.
Council approves budget for fiscal year ’15
A $30,000 increase in the city’s parks budget was the only noteworthy change in Vernon’s budget for fiscal year 2015, which was approved unanimously.
The increase was to fund the fireworks show on July 4, which was funded by increased revenues, Crawford said.
“If we stay within this budget, our revenue is 9 percent more than expenses,” Crawford said. “And that’s about what we did this year as we close out last month. That’s a considerable change from the previous couple of years before this administration.”
Crawford noted the city typically keeps between $65,000 and $75,000 in its capital expense fund.
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