Library upgrade handled poorly

The West Chicago library recently upgraded and modernized its heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The cost was well over $100,000. Only one contractor bid the job and was of course selected. There were no competing bids, no technical review of the contractor's proposal or scope of work, no review of the completed work by a qualified professional before final payment was made to the contractor.

Review of board minutes suggests no justification for this fiscally irresponsible approach. Nor could I imagine one. In my experience over three decades managing the operation and maintenance of commercial real estate, this would never have been permitted or approved by a client. This is a capital expenditure that deserved scrutiny consistent with the level of its scale and impact on the building, systems, patrons and taxpayers.

When an inquiry was made of the board president, the first response was "the work is already done." Also, that the state of Illinois approved the contractor, but with uncertainty as to which agency or approved in what way. The state does not approve contractors for work by other entities.

The board is made up of elected officials; they have shown a surprising disregard for their obligation to exercise financial stewardship in the use of public funds. Of even greater concern is that this seems to reflect its way of doing business. We elect these officials to protect our money and our best interest. I for one resent such irresponsibility in the use of my tax dollars.

Marcia Rubenstein

West Chicago