WALHALLA — The Oconee County Capital Projects Commission reviewed schematics Thursday for a new Seneca branch library, which would be located on the grounds of the future Blue Ridge Elementary School.

Brian Deichman of McMillan Smith & Partners made a presentation.

Marty McKee and DeWitt Martin of the commission listened as Deichman presented a slideshow detailing the amenities and size of the library project. John Adams of the library board said the plan was part of a five-year initiative plan involving other projects including enhancement of the current Walhalla branch, a Fair Play branch in 2009/2010, a Salem branch in 2010/2011 and an expansion to the Westminster branch in 2011/2012.

Deichman said the 33,000 square-foot Seneca project would include a public meeting area for events and gatherings, as well as a large conference room. The facility would also include roughly 130 parking spaces, as well as space for Clemson Area Transit (CAT) and event buses.

The spot would also provide opportunity for growth in the future, Deichman said.

“We could easily double the size if needed in the future,” he said. “So we would have plenty of room for expansion if we needed it.”

Adams said there have been frequent complaints about lack of material at the current Seneca branch.

“We have a fiduciary responsibility to the community to provide services and facilities,” Adams said.

Some members of the public at the presentation and subsequent discussion, including Walhalla resident Berry Nichols, had concerns about the project, especially in the context of the current tight economic landscape. Specifically, he asked about the cost of continued maintenance at such a large facility, as well as the cost of further staffing. While Adams did not have the maintenance numbers, he did say the building would require six full-time employees and one part-time employee totaling $175,000 a year, not including benefits.

Adams defended the project as necessary for planning for growth.

“This is not being built for today,” he said. “It’s being built for the next 30 years at least.”

Don Fuller of the commission agreed.

“The county is expanding in its population,” he said. “Facilities are required.”