Councilmen question preferred library site

Two members of Oconee County Council raised questions this morning about whether the library board’s preferred property to build a new Seneca library is best. Councilman Paul Corbeil, as chairman of the county’s Capital Project Advisory Committee, said he would like to hear an expression from the city’s leadership about the library board’s preferred property—-4.3 acres on E. North First Street near the 123 intersection. Seneca officials, such as City Administrator Greg Dietterick, have touted a downtown location, but county Library Director Phillip Cheney said a downtown library would require land deals with multiple property owners. Councilman Archie Barron also raised questions, although both he and Corbeil made clear they support library improvements. Corbeil explained that he foresees improvements in libraries countywide as a project to be submitted for a potential referendum in November 2014.