$10 million library proposed

Liberty Lake’s proposed library and community center received a $10 million go-ahead Tuesday night, a move that delighted backers and may require a public vote to boost taxes to pay for the project.

Mayor ProTem Patrick Jenkins drew gasps of delight from the crowd of 35 to 40 residents in attendance at Tuesday City Council meeting when he proposed a $10 million budget for the project – $3 million more than initially planned.

“This is probably one of the key projects in our community,” resident Valorie Marschall said. “We need to make sure we do it right the first time.”

For the council, “doing it right” means designing a facility based on community needs, not budget. The project may cost more than $7 million, but the people in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting seemed willing to pay for quality.

“I think we’re looking at a building that will last for 100 years,” Councilman David Crump said.

Library Director Pamela Mogen said space for community events and programming, such as computer rooms, teaching rooms and offices, will be adequate in the new complex, but only if it includes a basement and second floor.

Of course, someone has to pay for it all.

A $10 million budget means the average Liberty Lake homeowner would pay $176 more a year for a 20-year bond. Although the project could cost less than $10 million, homeowners could pay about $3,500 in the end.

If the city takes this route, voters would first have to approve the bond in the November election.

“There are lots of options here,” city Finance Director Arlene Fisher said. “There is a lot of financing we can do.”

A second option is another ballot proposition called the Library Capital Facility Area Bond. It would raise taxes for residents within a designated boundary, but only if approved by voters.

Either way, the public will have to foot the bill, and the council said it is considering that fact.

“I don’t ever remember a discussion that didn’t involve a public tax or bond,” Councilwoman Judi Owens said.

Preliminary plans suggest a 30,000-square-foot building that would include a public library and a community center to host events such as the annual father-daughter dance. A covered, spacious public area resembling a shopping mall would connect the two. An amphitheater, gardens and a plaza are among the outdoor attractions.

Bernardo Wells Architects is working on the building design and brings experience with libraries and community centers. Gary Bernardo said the building is the relatively easy part – the policy is what causes trouble.

Bernardo is set to begin Phase I of construction this summer, which would include the amphitheater, an area for the farmers’ market and the parking lot. It involves “lots of landscaping” and focuses on facilities surrounding the main community building. He was unsure when Phase I would be completed.