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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Library measure needed 60 percent to pass

LIBERTY LAKE – Disappointment filled Liberty Lake City Hall after voters resoundingly defeated the proposed library and community center on Tuesday. “I am very, very disappointed,” Mayor Wendy Van Orman said. Normally Liberty Lake voters are supportive of community projects, she said, but might have rejected this one because of the slumping economy. The 20-year bond would have collected $9.8 million for the project. “It’s truly understandable at this time,” she said. “I just think it’s the economy at the moment.” The city’s library is cramped and staff will try to come up with a plan to alleviate that in the short term, Van Orman said, whether that’s by renting more space or finding another location. “We already know we’re bursting at the seams. We definitely need to address the issue. We have several different things we’re looking at.” Nearly 4,000 ballots were mailed out and 1,729 have been returned so far, a rate of 51 percent. The 658 “Yes” votes only accounted for 38.6 percent of the total. The measure needed 60 percent to pass. The vote will be certified May 6. “While we have a plan B, I want to sit back and reflect,” Van Orman said, referring to the options of renting more space or relocating. The city needs to determine whether residents don’t want a new library or just don’t want one right