BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Public Library board held a special meeting Thursday at the Collier Center to address the financing needed for repairs to the library’s cooling system. Board Chairman Maurice Mills presented a cost estimate from Fire & Ice Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration, a company based in Nippa, which indicated that replacing the outdated chiller system from 2002 would cost $160,500.

During the meeting, Mills shared that he had consulted with James Ayers from First State Bank regarding the financing options. He said Ayers advised that the board could secure a loan by using a certificate of deposit as collateral. Board members John Triplett and Shelia Maynard agreed that the certificate of deposit was a suitable financing method.

Mills also announced that he consulted with Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty concerning the search for grant opportunities to fund the repair project.

“He’s going to start a process to see if there’s a grant out there,” said Mills. “Everybody knows that takes time.”

Further, Mills said Ayers had recommended that he contact the Big Sandy Area Development District to inquire about potential green grants.

“I never got a call back from that guy,” stated Mills.

Triplett pointed out the urgency of proceeding with the repairs and the importance of seeking grant funding to support the project.

Mills clarified that the chiller system is distinct from the building’s heating system.

“There are 34 furnaces in this building,” he said.

The board voted in favor of advertising the project for bids and starting the process of obtaining a loan with a certificate of deposit serving as collateral.