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October 28, 2011, 4:10 AM
By Phillip Molnar | The Express-Times The Express-Times

Warren County freeholders gave final approval Wednesday to spending nearly $10 million for two new buildings and other capital improvements.

Part of the $9,867,000 plan would be used to for a new library headquarters in White Township to alleviate overcrowding at its 11,000-square-foot Belvidere location.

Freeholder Director Everett Chamberlain said the proposed location -- 4,000 square feet bigger than the current library -- is within the county's financial means to purchase. The former library system director maintains it is still too small.

The former director, Richard Moore, told the freeholders Wednesday: "I know the library won't fit in that building -- and I don't need a draft design to verify that."

Chamberlain said the only way the county could afford a bigger library is by taking out a bond to pay for it. The $9.9 million is coming from county funds.

Michelle Wieder, of Harmony Township, told the freeholders the library greatly needs the new space.

"Although they do a fantastic job with what they have, they need a bigger space," Wieder said.

The freeholders said they agreed, which is why they decided to buy a new building. Moore, who first appeared before freeholders Oct. 12 on the topic, maintained Wednesday the headquarters of the system needs more space.

"It doesn't work, it doesn't fit and you can't pretend that it does," Moore said Wednesday.

Chamberlain called the new building -- which has yet to be purchased -- "a great alternative."

"Access, visibility, parking is so much better," he said.

Freeholder Jason Sarnoski said discussions over the years about building a new facility could not take place now.

"Back then, we were talking about a $30 million facility," he said. "We just cannot afford (that). It's just not feasible in this economy."

The $9.9 million plan also includes the purchase of another building for various departments and renovations of county-owned buildings.