(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has agreed to provide funding for the purchase of a new heating and air conditioning system for the American Legion building in downtown Hiawatha, which is primary used as a senior citizens center.

Representatives of Legion Post 66 met with the Commission Monday to make the request.

Legion Commander Steve Winter said the current furnace is 40 years old and air conditioning unit is 25 years old.   

Winter said he obtained price quote’s from two contractors for the installation of a new 96 percent efficiency furnace and air conditioning system for the building, which ranged from $6,800 to $9,500.

He said the Legion currently doesn’t have the funds to pay for the purchase and requested the county’s help.  

Since the building is primarily used by the county, Commission Chairman Steve Roberts said he would like to see county pay for the entire cost. His two fellow Commissioners agreed, but said they would like to see the Legion get one additional quote and report back to them.