Library meeting to be held in Ten Sleep
April 14, 2018
TEN SLEEP – The Washakie County Commission will hold a special public hearing on Tuesday to address changes at the Ten Sleep Public Library, following a major renovation and addition.
The meeting will be held at the Ten Sleep Public Library at 6 p.m., and is open to public comment and input.
“We want to give people a chance to see how the money was utilized and make sure it was spent properly and hear their concerns,” said Commission Chairman Terry Wolf.
On Oct. 17, 2017, the county commission voted to award the project contract to Fox General Construction, even though the bid was $38,000 over the initial, forecasted budget.
With an initial project cost of $185,558, the expansion was financed by a Wyoming Business Council community block grant in the amount of $136,117, an in-kind loan of $14,520 and cash in the amount of $21,929 from the county and a land donation equal to $12,992 from Washakie County School District #2 in Ten Sleep. Total expenses for the finished project were $231,380, paid for by the above and matching funds from the county.
The addition, on the north end of the current library, follows the design and roofline of the original building, adding space for community meetings and events, as well as a place away from the main library for after-school learning.
After reaching a financial crisis in 2016, Washakie County Commissioners stepped in and with help from a grant from Youth Alternatives, were able to transfer the After School program to the Library, under a new director. The program is now called “After the Bell,” and hosts students from 3:15 until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for homework assistance, crafts and games.
The service, which is free to Ten Sleep parents, has provided after-school care, activities, and healthy snacks to kindergarten through fifth-graders since 2003. Previously, the Ten Sleep Learning Center rented the old Ten Sleep Fire Hall from Ten Sleep Development for $500 per month, and utilities were paid by the school from the After School fund.
In other commission business on the agenda for Tuesday’s regular session, commissioners will open bids for a road gravel and sealing project, consult with TCT regarding a water line project on the Lower Nowood and will coordinate the Veterans Affairs personnel on cleaning the VA Clinic in Worland.
Commission meetings begin and 9 a.m. in the Commission chambers at the Washakie County Courthouse in Worland. All meetings are open to the public.