New library could require tax increase

The Liberty Lake City Council got its first look at a price for its new library and community center Tuesday night, which some called a “reality check” on the project.

Architect Gary Bernardo and Doug Smith, director of planning and community development for the city, told council members the project would likely cost a minimum of $5.4 million.

That would require an increase of almost $150 a year in property taxes for the average-price home in Liberty Lake, Smith said.

“We don’t want to spend a lot of time, effort and money if we’re not going to meet your expectations,” Bernardo said. “Is this realistically what we’re taking about? We’re not looking for a shock factor but, instead, a reality check.”

As property tax reassessments rolled into council members’ mailboxes this week, some said the increase might hit homeowners harder than usual.

“There are a lot of factors that are going to hit our city very hard,” said council member Judi Owens. “I want to proceed, but I want to proceed with caution.”

Council members suggested the project go ahead but that the architect should factor in the possibility of phasing in improvements to the building as more money becomes available.

The council addressed nearly a dozen other topics in the meeting, which stretched almost four hours.

Developer Jim Frank, owner of Greenstone Corp., gave a presentation outlining the Local Infrastructure Financing Tax, which passed the legislature last spring. The money provided from the bill will likely go to a freeway interchange at the Greenacres exit of Interstate 90.

Members approved a change in the city’s retirement plan rules, which allows employees to take loans from their retirement funds. Previously, a person had to meet medical requirements to take out a loan.

The council also allowed several topics that have been discussed in the last few months to move into the public forum. Public hearings and further discussion will occur on large scale retail standards, a parks and open space plan, increased permit fees and a golf cart ordinance.