Camas leaders revamp library improvement plans

Camas city leaders are reconsidering the scope of a $1.85 million library improvement project after two rounds of contractor bids came in way over budget, with the lowest bid about $1 million too high.

“The first time we went out to bid, we didn’t get very many bids to begin with, and they were just way too high, so we regrouped and reduced our scope,” Camas Public Library Director Connie Urquhart told the Camas City Council on Monday. “We waited until after the holidays and sent everything out again. We got more interest, but they were all too high.”

The library director said the city hopes to receive more competitive bids by splitting the improvement work into two parts — an exterior project focused on restoration, safety and accessibility, and an interior project that will create a new Children’s Learning Hive for infants, toddlers and younger children; and upgrade lighting, carpeting and furniture in the library’s most in-need areas.

“The library is one of the city’s greatest assets, and it has not been refurbished in 20 years,” Urquhart said. “This small upgrade will pay proactive attention to the areas which need it most: tripping hazards, crumbling building edifices, accessibility issues and outdated modes of service for children.”

Camas council members OK’d the library improvement project in November 2023. Urquhart said then that nearly three-fourths of the $1.85 million project was funded by grants, donations and federal pandemic-relief dollars. City leaders earmarked $610,000 from the city’s $6 million American Rescue Plan Act funds to help build the Children’s Learning Hive after residents listed the library project as a high priority for how the city should allocate its pandemic-relief money. The Washington State Department of Commerce also gave the city of Camas a $730,000 grant to help fund the exterior library improvements.

“The exterior is mostly covered by the grant, but the interior is where it’s going to hurt,” Urquhart told members of the library’s board of trustees in March. “No matter what we do, we’ll have to make some cuts.”

The library director told Camas City Council members Monday that certain materials planned for the Children’s Learning Hive, including built-in cabinetry and upholstery, helped drive up costs.

“We’re continuing to reduce the scope. We’ve gutted it a little bit, but our goal is to stay within budget,” Urquhart said.

She added that things happening on the federal level may also impact the library improvement project’s costs.

“We all know what’s happening with tariffs and that things are going to be more expensive, so it’s going to be difficult,” Urquhart said. “But this is our plan, and we’re working to bring it to fruition.”

Kelly Moyer: 360-735-4674; [email protected]