City can't swallow projected $30 million for new library

Camarillo residents like Colleen Husher and her son, Ryan, may soon have a bigger library to visit.

By Gregg Mansfield

September 20, 2000 Web posted at: 2:13 PM EDT (1813 GMT)

CAMARILLO, California (The Ventura County Star) -- The cost of building a new public library in Camarillo is estimated at $30 million, and city leaders are already looking at cheaper alternatives.

The high price tag comes as a consultant is being asked by the city to focus on two potential locations for a new library.

No decision has been made by the city on whether to build a new library. But two council members who serve on the committee say the price is too high.

The figure provided by the consultant includes design and construction costs along with money for new books and furniture. The estimate also takes into account inflation and contingency costs, which add significantly to the project, consultant Kathryn Page said.

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"We're trying to project the cost of a library where they won't break ground for another four or five years," Page said Monday. "We wanted to give them a realistic figure."

The council is looking to replace the current library on Ponderosa Drive because it's too small for the city.

A proposed two-story library would include almost 65,000 square feet of space, more than triple the size of the current library.

The architects are being asked to create rough plans for a site near Las Posas and Lewis roads, and the library's current location.

Councilman Mike Morgan, who serves on the library committee with Councilwoman Charlotte Craven, said the cost is too high.

"The public wouldn't support spending that kind of money," Morgan said. "The price is too much."

Craven agrees and believes the council is willing to help pay part of the costs for a new library.

Page said construction of a new library typically costs $400 to $450 per square foot. The estimate for Camarillo's library runs about $461 per square foot.

The estimate doesn't include the cost for land if the council ultimately decides to purchase the property on Las Posas Road. Craven said the two park sites -- Community and Dos Caminos -- are no longer being looked at for a new library.

The city also is looking at several ways to pay for the proposed library.

One of the options is a state library construction bond that was passed by voters in March. The state would pay 65 percent of the costs.

Page believes Camarillo has a good chance of qualifying if it stays on course.

"This state library construction bond is really a godsend for communities doing their homework," she said. "And Camarillo is doing that."

Craven expects some revised library costs to go before the committee in October and could be reviewed by the full City Council soon after.

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