Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie shared positive news, Jan. 6, 2026, during the city council’s regular meeting, announcing that emergency foundation repairs for the Autauga-Prattville Public Library are expected to cost far less than originally estimated.
Emphasizing the importance of addressing the library’s foundation issues promptly while being responsible stewards of public funds, the Maintenance, Vehicles, Facilities, and Lots Committee met, Dec. 9, 2025, to discuss a proposed foundation stabilization plan, coming in at an estimated cost of $370,000.
In the weeks that followed, city officials explored additional options, leading to a significantly lower projected cost.
“After looking through different construction folks and everything else, I’m proud to say that our current cost on that is going to be less than $100,000,” said Gillespie.
The announcement prompted questions from city council members about whether the lower cost reflected changes to the scope of work. Councilor Thea Langley asked if the repair plans had been significantly altered to achieve the reduced estimate.
Gillespie assured the council that the original repair plans remain intact and that the reduced cost is the result of finding more competitive options — not cutting corners.
“It’s wonderful news that the costs are going to come way under budget from what the original quotes were,” said resident Jackie Nix. “Honestly, that’s a huge drop from over $370,000. It almost seems too good to be true.”
With the new estimate coming in well below initial projections, leaders say the city will be able to move forward with the repairs while preserving funding for other priorities.
More information on the library’s foundation issues and estimates can be found at https://elmoreautauganews.com/2025/12/12/autauga-prattville-public-library-to-undergo-emergency-foundation-repairs/.
