ROWLAND — The Rowland Board of Commissioners members learned Tuesday that the Rowland Public Library will reopen if it receives help from the town.
The library has been closed the past two months because of flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. Mayor Michelle Shooter said the library also was flooded by Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Michael.
Town Clerk David Townsend said that he, Shooter and Commissioner Betty Boyd met with Robeson County Public Library Director Katie Fountain and learned the library’s board of directors voted unanimously to keep the library open and discussed what will be needed from the town to make repairs.
The town is responsible for new flooring, hiring a contractor to re-inspect the facility and will be tasked with replacing the HVAC system during the next budget year.
Commissioner Jean Love was concerned about the repair project’s cost.
“Where are we going to get the money from?” Love said.
Townsend said he is seeking money from county government.
“The exciting thing for me is that it will remain open,” Townsend said.
Town leaders and Robeson County Public Library leaders are setting a repair goal of Feb. 1. Shooter said that in the meantime wireless Internet is available at the library if residents would like to park and use it.
Also on Tuesday, the commissioners approved amendments to the Water/Sewer Ordinance regarding water and sewer billing.
The current ordinance was developed in 1996 and updated in 2003, Townsend said. The changes will address “gray areas” that have occurred in the past 15 years, and provide clarifications that will help staff better answer residents’ questions.
Mayor Shooter asked to establish as committee made up of community members to “engage more citizens within the town limits and encourage productive initiatives and feedback.” The committee also would help seek grants and communicate information on public projects to residents.
“We’re doing a lot of things, but I’m not good at conveying what we’re doing,” Shooter said.
The commissioners said they would support such a committee.
“I think that’s good,” Commissioner M.C. Shooter said. “I see nothing wrong with that.”
The committee would have about 12 members, depending on public interest. The first meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5 in the Town Hall boardroom.
In other business, the commissioners made note of the Rowland Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 24. The grand marshal will be Robeson County Commissioner Roger Oxendine.
Tomeka Sinclair can be reached at tsinclair@robesonian.com or 910-416-5865.
