Council Continues Library Discussion Tonight

The City Council is expected to continue discussions over the fate of the city library at tonight's meeting.

City Administrator will provide an informational report update on the ongoing issue of whether the city should proceed with annexation efforts into the King County Library System or pull back and reconsider a levy lid lift option.

The city putting the question of annexation to voters in March.

In meetings since then, Council members have questioned both the role of the city's Library Board which has been vocal in its disapproval for the original process the city undertook to pursue annexation, as well as whether or not to pull back and reconsider other funding options to support the local institution. There has also been discussion of whether or not to put out a public survey in order to better gauge public opinion.

More information about the 2011 city budget will be available as well in the form of a budget amendment that helps to cement the beginning fund balance for this year's budget -- when it was adopted in December 2010, those numbers were based on estimates. The city's general fund ending balance increased by $194,054 to $1,136,111 due to cost savings and actions taken by city administration and staff at the end of 2010, into 2011. No action will be taken on this amendment as it is a first reading only.

Council will also act on several resolutions related to the establishment of a natural gas awareness program, the Garrett Street right-of-way purchase and sale as well as a lease agreement with the Chamber of Commerce.

Senior Center Manager Jobyna Nickum will also be honored for her work as the recipient of the 2011 Community Achievement Award for Direct Service.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. It can also be viewed online.

Click here to view the agenda packet for tonight's meeting.