Centerville library might move for a year

Centerville Public Library’s request to temporarily move into the former town hall is under consideration.

At its Feb. 11 meeting, council heard about the approximately $1.2 million of renovations planned at the library building.

Those projects include entryway lighting, addition of a bathroom and updates to another, removal of a back stairwell to add more staff work areas, carpeting, painting, and relocating youth areas.

The building will need to be vacated while construction is in progress. Bids will be accepted in about a week, and construction is to start in May.

In 2022, another $1.2 million in library renovations focused on infrastructure needs such as a sprinkler system, roof, heating/cooling/ventilation and windows, and updating the Jones Room.

Library officials say they need a facility large enough to accommodate events during the potentially year-long closure.

Council President Dan Wandersee said town officials need to consider legal, insurance and other factors before deciding, possibly at council’s 7 p.m Feb. 25 work session in town hall, 220 E. Main St.

Comprehensive plan

Centerville seeks $50,000 in state funds to update its comprehensive plan that’s two decades old.

Comments were gathered for the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs during a public hearing. The town’s share would be $9,600.

One resident said he’d write a letter noting his difficulties in walking through areas with crumbling sidewalks or no sidewalks at all, as well as lighting concerns.

Councilor Gary Holbert said comprehensive plans are key to pursue funding for town projects. The plan could help prospective and current residents and businesses learn more about the town’s aspirations.

Wandersee said committees of residents would assist with information gathering as a contracted firm compiles the report

Centerville’s 2024 submission narrowly missed being selected. Winners could be announced as soon as March 7.

In other business

• Community Crossings: Council selected DC Construction’s $150,583.35 paving proposal. Indiana provides 75% of the funds.
• Electric: Slick’s still waiting to hear from the Department of Energy. The federal government hasn’t released promised funds to Indiana for Centerville’s electric infrastructure improvements.
• Utilities: Council supported conducting rate studies for wastewater, stormwater and trash. Centerville is in the fourth of the trash truck’s expected five-year lifespan.
• Community Crossings: Council selected DC Construction’s $150,583.35 paving proposal. Indiana provides 75% of the funds.
• Fire: Centerville Fire/Rescue went on 70 runs in January, which might be a record, Chief Andy Aughe said. Nineteen were fire, 48 were medical and three were others. Applications are being accepted.
• Police: In January, CPD had one criminal investigation each of theft and burglary. Eight arrests were made — two for domestic battery and one each for strangulation, intimidation, interfering with reporting a crime, operator never licensed, warrant arrests and delinquency/truancy. One dog bite and animal problem were reported. Officers responded to 221 calls. Seventy-six vehicle stops were conducted, with 18 state tickets issued.
• Sports: Centerville Youth League set an 11 a.m. May 10 opening day parade and fireworks at dark June 28. Registration is open until March 9. Sponsorships are needed for 70% of league expenses. Last year, nearly 600 participated in sports and cheerleading.
• Water: Three main breaks in 2025, all in locations for future replacements. The last break on Main Street had a lead seal, which means it’ll be moved higher on the replacement list. Crews working now are about 30% done with the current phase.
• Festival: Christmas in Centerville chair William White said the festival went well, even on a budget of about $1,600. The new grandfather said he’s stepping back but will keep coordinating the parade and share knowledge and contacts he’s gained.