The Brundidge City Council got an early look at the recent renovations to the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library Tuesday.

As part of its council meeting, the council took a tour of the new addition.

Even though it is not completely finished and has not been furnished, city manager Brit Thomas said completion is near.

“We’re pretty much finished on the inside,” Thomas said. “On the outside, we’ll probably touch up the paint job, but other than that, we’re just about finished.”

The existing air conditioning and heating unit has also been improved, something Thomas said has been a longtime problem.

“Since my tenure started here in 1977, the library has always had a problem with heating and air conditioning,” Thomas said. “But, it is fixed now and you can really tell the difference.”

The main holdup for the library now is the furnishing, fixtures and equipment for the new building.

The city applied for a USDA Rural Development grant in May that would have provided $126,000 for the items needed, but Thomas said the city has not received any word on the status of that application.

“Until we hear from them, we’re just kind of in a holding pattern because if we start buying things we need, it can void the grant application,” Thomas said.

If the grant application is denied, Thomas said the amount of money spent on the furnishings, fixtures and equipment would likely be closer to $50,000 than the $126,000 that was applied for.

In other business, the council also heard an update from Thomas concerning the property of Samuel Green at 121 Galloway Road, which had been deemed dangerous property by the council previously

Thomas said he had met with Green for a walkthrough of the property, and requested Green be given until the next council meeting, set for August 20, to meet with a contractor and determine the feasibility of bringing the property up to code.

The council granted that request.

Pike County EMA Director Jeanna Barnes also formally met with the council for the first time since assuming the position of EMA Director.

“I’ve got strong Brundidge roots since both of my parents are Pike County High School graduates, and I’m excited to be at home to do this job,” Barnes said.

Councilman Lawrence Bowden also expressed his confidence in Barnes.

“It’s really fortunate for Pike County to have her,” Bowden said. “She’s really done a lot of work as a two-year volunteer, and I think she’ll do a good job.”