Plans for a new downtown library are still in place after concerns arose about unexpected costs and building delays.
The mayor's bid for a $37 million, six-story Central Library has maintained support from the Common Council, though it has encountered several budget and time constraints since it was first introduced.
T. Wall Properties and Fiore Companies competed for the library project, with Fiore winning out by lowering its bid to $21 million.
As development has moved closer, it has appeared that Fiore might have presented overly hopeful figures, according to Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18.
""With big projects, there are so many variables,"" Schumacher said. ""[When] trying to get a package together that's politically sellable, people may create the most optimistic numbers or have the most optimistic outlook.""
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has previously said the concept Fiore presented is still best, however, because of its capacity to develop the surrounding area as part of the library project.
Project funds to allow for the extensive development are still in question, and tax increases are a possibility.
""The taxpayers are on the hook for a substantial amount of money,"" Schumacher said. ""If this project is going to be far more costly than what we were told, I think the council needs to take another look.""
Although there had been speculation that Fiore might withdraw from the project because of timing and cost concerns, planning is still on course, according to a joint statement from Cieslewicz, Madison Library Board President Tripp Widder and Bill Kunkler of the Central Library.
""We're very pleased to be moving forward on the historic Central Library project. The city and the Fiore Company are currently in fruitful negotiations,"" the statement read. ""We remain confident that the library can be completed on time and on budget.""
