Coffee County committee approves post-remediation testing after library mold cleanup

The Coffee County Capital Outlay Committee on May 7 approved a motion to have the original third‑party testing firm return to the Manchester library after mold remediation to perform clearance testing.

Rick, who briefed the committee on the library work, said the roof was repaired April 24 and multiple post‑storm inspections showed no leaks. He told the committee that Servpro is scheduled to begin mold remediation and that the vendor estimates 3–4 days to complete the cleanup. "The lab shows relatively low levels of mold spores in the indoor air samples," Rick said, adding that indoor counts were lower than exterior comparison samples and "well below levels commonly found indoors." He urged the committee to use the original testing company for a follow‑up test to provide an independent clearance.

Chair moved the recommendation into a formal motion; it was seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee members said the return test would provide an impartial baseline and reassure the public that the building is safe to reoccupy.

Beyond remediation, members discussed the condition of the library roof. Rick and other members described the current roof material as unsuitable for a long‑term commercial installation and noted underlying plywood and decking damage beneath the panels. Chair said a replacement roof would include removing the existing panels, repairing or replacing damaged decking, and installing a commercial‑grade roof with new fascia and gutters under a warranty; he asked members to review a budgetary proposal and return with a decision at the next meeting.

The committee did not set a final date to reopen the library; Rick said reopening is contingent on completion of remediation and a follow‑up clearance test by the independent firm. The motion to bring back the original testing firm passed.