FBB:
First Bank of Berne plans new branch bank in Berne
May 21, 2009
Berne, IN - First Bank of
Berne received approval from the Berne Plan Commission May 19, 2009 to
proceed with a new branch building just north of their present branch on
US 27 in Berne. The new building will be 4835 square feet with 35
parking spaces and will set further off of the highway to the
east.
Charles E. Isch, President of the bank gave several reasons why the board has agreed to build a replacement building. The current branch bank has many problems with the structure. A few weeks ago the balcony fell off of the building. When the workmen were making repairs and putting the balcony back up, they noticed that the siding has gaps in it. This means that the whole building needs to be repaired and resided. There have been problems with the air conditioning units leaking water. The sanitary lines run under the existing building and at one time an air hammer had to be used to make repairs. The 1973 building has been added onto two or three times for added space, but never any additions to the back room. There is lack of space for employees to operate in that area.
The new branch is designed to offer much better efficiencies, as well as updated technology to benefit the customers and employees. Total customer convenience is a major goal behind the plans of the new branch, including the lobby area, which will be better suited to accommodate today's style of business and better overall service.
The time is right for construction as contractors are less busy right now with the current recession. Building materials costs have come down. In addition to all of the above, the bank had its best year ever in 2008 and 2009 results are ahead of last years numbers, according to Isch. Plans are to break ground this summer at the location along US 27 with a hopeful completion time at about year end.
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