Loveland council advances library roof budget, raises appropriation to $1 million

Loveland City Council voted Tuesday to approve on first reading Ordinance No. 6848 for the public library roof replacement, then amended the appropriation upward to $1 million before passing the ordinance as amended. The agenda packet had proposed an $848,148 supplemental appropriation, but council members said a larger amount could help avoid delays if hidden damage is uncovered once the existing roof is removed.

The ordinance would add money to the 2026 budget for replacement of the failing Loveland Public Library roofing system. Staff had recommended the original $848,148 amount, built from a $678,518 roofing bid plus a 25% contingency for potential work such as raising drains, relocating rooftop equipment and addressing damage from years of leaks.

Mayor Patrick McFall made the motion to raise the appropriation to $1 million after asking whether staff expected to return for more money. Facilities staff said they had set aside contingency for known unknowns but could not fully assess conditions until the roof comes off. Michael Hogan, speaking for staff, said, "when we take this roof off, there's going to be damage," though the extent is unknown. He said he would be "very comfortable with $1 million" and expected staff would likely need to return if only the original amount were approved.

Council members backing the amendment argued that a larger appropriation now could keep the project moving during construction season. McFall said stopping work mid-project to seek more money could push the contractor onto other jobs and add costs. Council Member Laura Light-Kovacs said any unused money would return to the original fund and said avoiding repeat hearings would save time for both staff and council. Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Samson said, "winter is coming," and urged approval so the library, its books and its equipment would not remain exposed to leaks.

One council member initially questioned whether the extra amount was necessary, saying the city already had a substantial contingency above the selected bid and could likely approve more money later if needed. But the amendment passed 8-0, and the ordinance as amended also passed 8-0, with one council member recused from the item.

The staff report says the library roof has leaked for more than five years and that denial would allow the leaks to continue, risking damage to the building interior and its contents. The full replacement is intended to cover all failing roof sections at the library and provide a roofing system with a 30-year warranty. Under the timeline presented to council, a second reading and contracting are expected in September, with work starting in October and finishing in November or December, subject to weather and conditions found during roof removal.