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Generator adds $29,000 to Vernon Hills library's bill

The extended use of a generator during the construction of Vernon Hills' new library could add more than $29,000 to the cost of the project, Cook Memorial Public Library District officials learned Tuesday.

The EVS Construction Co. had to use a generator for nine months because ComEd did not provide electrical service to the site on time, said Jim Johnson of the AT Group, the firm managing the construction project. EVS had planned to need the generator for only two months, Johnson said.

As a result, EVS requested the library board change its contract with the firm to add the cost of seven months of generator service, roughly $29,380, to their bill.

After some discussion, the board voted 4-1 to change the contract as requested. Board member Ann Oakley cast the lone "no" vote, while Karen Broms abstained.

Board member Tom Milowski was absent.

The library board has not yet been billed for the generator service.

Board member Wendy Vieth suggested officials contact ComEd and find out why the electrical service wasn't supplied on time and try to get ComEd to cover some, if not all, of the generator's cost.

The Vernon Hills library, at 701 Aspen Drive, opened July 10.

The project's estimated cost was $7 million - the same as the ongoing expansion and renovation of the library in downtown Libertyville. The Libertyville facility should reopen to the public by November, officials have said.

The recent laborers strike and other factors have delayed the completion of the Libertyville project from earlier in the fall.