Library officials plan $35K roof repair as community center move timeline remains unclear

The Finance Committee of Port Orchard convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, including shoreline restoration and necessary repairs to the local library building.

A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing challenges related to shoreline restoration efforts. Committee members expressed concerns about the current design requirements, emphasizing the need to restore the shoreline to its natural state rather than implementing new projects that could lead to further complications. One member highlighted the risk of leaving a deteriorating seawall in place, which could result in emergency repairs if it fails. The committee aims to address these issues in an upcoming meeting, stressing the importance of doing the right thing for the community and the environment.

Another key agenda item was the state of the library building, which is set to be replaced by a new community center in the coming years. The committee discussed the urgent need for roof repairs, as the existing flat roof has been problematic and continues to leak. The estimated cost for a full roof replacement is approximately $35,287, with the library agreeing to cover half of the expenses. The committee acknowledged the necessity of these repairs to protect the building's contents until the library can relocate, despite the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the new community center's completion.

The committee concluded that a budget amendment would be required to fund the roof repairs, and they plan to revisit these discussions in future meetings to ensure all necessary steps are taken.