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paul_pullen_0930.mp3
By Randall Higgins
Cleveland Bureau
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Cleveland will issue a $1.8 million bond to fund its part of a Cleveland/Bradley Public Library expansion project.
City Manager Janice Casteel said the Bradley County government wants to "piggyback" with its own bond issue for matching funding for the library.
The City Council has approved its bond issue. The County Commission is expected to vote soon.
Paul Pullen, library board chairman, said the library's foundation is waiting until the local United Way drive is completed before starting its own campaign to raise the remaining $800,000 from the public.
"I expect those general solicitations to continue into the next year," Mr. Pullen told the Cleveland City Council recently.
The private funding will be used first for the project, Mrs. Casteel said. The city and county's bond money will be drawn down equally as it is needed, she said.
"When invoices come in on the library project, half will be drawn down by the city on its bond issue. The other half, the county will draw down on their bond issue," she said. The two governments will repay their bond issues from their own funds, she said.
In October, 2006, the library board presented a feasibility study and drawings prepared by TWH Architects Inc. to the Bradley County Commission and the City Council for the project.
Library Director Andrew Hunt said the expansion is needed to keep up with a growing list of patrons.
"As we grow, the library needs to grow as well," Mayor Tom Rowland said.
E-mail Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com
CLEVELAND/BRADLEY LIBRARY EXPANSION
* New entrance/lobby area
* Expanded circulation, materials and computer space
* Increased seating areas
* Young Adult area
* Book sale area off the lobby
* Added maintenance storage area
Source: 2006 feasibility study
