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Home My WebLink AboutFINAL 2025 1106 Council Agenda PacketMoses Lake City Council Dustin Swartz, Mayor | Judy Madewell, Deputy Mayor | Don Myers, Council Member | Mark Fancher, Council Member Deanna Martinez, Council Member | David Skaug, Council Member | Victor Lombardi, Council Member Thursday, November 6, 2025 Moses Lake Civic Center – 401 S. Balsam or remote access* Study Session Call to Order – 6:00 p.m. 1. Joint Workshop with North Central Regional Library - pg 17 Addendum 2.Budget Workshop #4 pg 2 (PowerPoint slide deck) Summary: Discussion Presenter: Finance Director Madeline Prentice 2026 Draft Budget dated Sept 30: (link to COML site for budget docs) a. Finance (pg. 47) b. Legal/Judicial (pg. 55) c. Misc. General Services (pg. 56) d. Library (pg. 59) e. Rainy Day Fund (pg. 77) f. Firemen's Relief & Pension (pg. 80) g. LOCAL Borrowing & GO Bonds (pg. 82) h. Local Fiscal Recovery (ARPA) (pg. 84) i. Opioid Abatement (pg. 85) j. Transportation Benefit District (pg. 86) k. Unemployment Compensation (pg. 88) l. Risk Management (pg. 89) m.Sanitation (pg. 91) Adjournment Future Council Meetings: Regular meeting “Wednesday” November 12, Special meeting November 18. NOTICE: Individuals planning to attend the in-person meeting who require an interpreter or special assistance to accommodate physical, hearing, or other impairments, need to contact the City Clerk at (509) 764-3703 or Deputy City Clerk at (509) 764-3713 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. *Remote Options: #1 MS Teams App or Online Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 285 352 495 663 Passcode: DJ7mW3gi Or #2 MS Teams by phone (audio only) +1 509-707-9401,,847733341# United States, Moses Lake Or #3 YouTube Live https://www.youtube.com/@MosesLakeCityCouncil/streams COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 1 of 16 Council Agenda Bill Subject 2026 Budget Workshop #4 Department Finance Presenter at the Meeting Madeline Prentice, Finance Director Packet Attachments (if any) 2026 Budget Workshop #4.pdf 300.21KB Meeting Date: 11/6/2025 Agenda Item Number: 57999 Proceeding Type Study Session Proposed Council Action/Motion: Information Only Receive and File Discuss Provide Direction Public Hearing Adopt/Approve Authorize Other No motion necessary. Summary/Background The 2026 Budget Workshop #4 presentation is attached for review and consideration. Fiscal Consideration 2026 proposed budget for the following departments/funds will be presented. All will be presented by Finance Director Madeline Prentice Finance (pg. 47) Legal/Judicial (pg. 55) Misc. General Services (pg. 56) Library (pg. 59) Rainy Day Fund (pg. 77) Firemen's Relief & Pension (pg. 80) LOCAL Borrowing & GO Bonds (pg. 82) Local Fiscal Recovery (ARPA) (pg. 84) Opioid Abatement (pg. 85) Transportation Benefit District (TBD) (pg. 86) Unemployment Compensation (pg. 88) Risk Management (pg. 89) Sanitation (pg. 91) City Council Priorities or Budget Objectives Addressed Preamble: The City’s top priority will always be fulfilling its core mission, which includes ensuring public safety, maintaining the City’s infrastructure, complying with state and federal mandates, and safeguarding the City’s finances. #1 - Achieve Financial Sustainability #2 - Secure Sustainable and Reliable Municipal Water Sources #3 - Improve the City's Image and Reputation #4 - Fire Department Service Delivery Model and Third Fire Station #5 - New Police Station #6 - Second Lake Crossing #7 - WSDOT Highway Projects in Moses Lake Reviewed and Approved by: City Manager - Debbie Burke on 10/30/2025 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 2 of 16 10/29/2025 1 CITY OF MOSES LAKE 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP #4 November 6, 2025 •Finance – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 47) •Legal/Judicial – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 55) •Misc. General Services – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 56) •Library – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 59) •Rainy Day Fund – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 77) •Firemen’s Relief & Pension – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 80) •LOCAL Borrowing & GO Bonds – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 82) •Local Fiscal Recovery (ARPA) – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 84) •Opioid Abatement – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 85) •Transportation Benefit District (TBD) – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 86) •Unemployment Compensation – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 88) •Risk Management – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 89) •Sanitation – Finance Director Madeline Prentice (pg. 91) Budget Workshop Presentations November 6, 2025 2 1 2 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 3 of 16 10/29/2025 2 Finance (Budget page 47) General Fund Department Description •Financial reporting and audit support •Budget preparation and oversight •Accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, utility billing, cash depositing, collections, investments, debt and grant management Accomplishments •Began implementation of Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for financials and human resources/payroll •In coordination with third party consultant, prepared a six-year financial forecast •Working with outside accounting firm to convert financials from GAAP to cash basis to complete audits 3 Finance General Fund Proposed Budget •Proposed Revenue: $1,350,280 •Proposed Expenses: $1,894,174 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 12.3% Highlights and Changes •Employer contribution rate for the employee retirement plan through the state decreased 3.53% from 9.11% to 5.58% •Will prepare a six-year financial sustainability plan in 2026 •Funds included for “Balancing Act” an online simulation based public engagement tool to involve the community in balancing the budget •Tyler Technologies ERP system implementation will continue in February •Changing the basis of accounting from GAAP to Cash will streamline audits 4 3 4 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 4 of 16 10/29/2025 3 Legal (Budget page 55) General Fund Department Description Accomplishments •Serves as the legal advisor to the City Council, City Manager and all other City staff and City boards and commissions •Appointed by the City Manager, confirmed by the City Council •Represents the City in civil litigation and provides legal guidance and support to City staff •City Attorney services provided by contract through Kenison Franz Law •Supported City Council and administration on multiple subjects •Assisted the City in drafting ordinances and resolutions for City Council consideration 5 Legal General Fund Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $4,500 •Proposed Expenses: $332,300 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 5.8% •Reduced budget for Municipal Court services •City Attorney fee increase is being requested - $240/hour to $250/hour for hours exceeding 25 hours per month 6 5 6 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 5 of 16 10/29/2025 4 Miscellaneous Services (Budget page 56) General Fund Department Description Accomplishments •General Fund in nature but not allocable to a specific department •Property, Sales, & Utility Tax revenues accounted for here •Interfund support of the General Fund (Overhead allocation) •Payments made to outside agencies for citywide membership or dues •Interfund transfers to other operations (i.e., Streets) •Transferred $500,000 to Rainy Day Fund •Renewed memberships to Chamber of Commerce, Grant County Economic Development Council (EDC) and Association of Washington Cities (AWC) 7 Miscellaneous Services General Fund Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $30,131,431 •Proposed Expenses: $1,349,270 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 58.6% •Property tax – estimate only – 2026 assessed values have not yet been provided •Sales tax trending downward – reduced 2026 budget 6% •Increased contribution to Downtown Moses Lake Association (DMLA) from $50,000 to $250,000 through the Main Street Tax Credit program •Human services funding reduced from $115,000 to $92,000 – an application process is being developed •Additional $250,000 transfer to Rainy Day Fund is included •Second payment of $500,000 to GC Animal Outreach for a new shelter is budgeted – offset by ARPA funds ($500,000) transfer in •No transfer to Street Maintenance. Proposing use of ending fund balance in Streets to eliminate the transfer in 2026 8 7 8 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 6 of 16 10/29/2025 5 Library (Budget page 59) General Fund Department Description Accomplishments •City contracts with North Central Regional Library System (NCRLS) to provide library services to the City •City performs custodial and maintenance, insures the building and pays utilities per a maintenance and operations agreement •NCRLS provides a lease payment which offsets a portion of the maintenance and operations costs of the building •The building and use agreement expires on 12/31/2025 •The City has offered NCRLS a one-year renewal at a rate of $5.00/sf 9 Library General Fund Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $52,215 •Proposed Expenses: $70,815 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 3.1% •A one-year renewal at $5.00/s.f. with corrected building square footage has been offered •Budget does not reflect amount needed to fund the roof replacement anticipated in 2028. The budget would need to increase by $171,600 each year over the next three years to accumulate the costs to pay for the replacement •A facilities assessment will be conducted in 2026 to determine capital needs and ongoing maintenance costs. •Staff will work with NCRLS to negotiate a new agreement in 2026 10 9 10 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 7 of 16 10/29/2025 6 Rainy Day Fund (Budget page 77) General Fund Department Description Accomplishments •Established in 2023 to accumulate reserves to help withstand economic downturns. •Expenditures must be approved by Council action •Revenues come from interest earnings or excess General Fund ending fund balance •Per City Council direction, transferred $500,000 from General Fund to Rainy Day Fund in 2025 11 Rainy Day Fund General Fund Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $287,000 •Proposed Expenses: $0 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: N/A •Proposing transfer of another $250,000 from General Fund to the Rainy-Day Fund in 2026 •Financial Management Policy update planned for 2026 will include a section on the management and investment of the Rainy-Day Fund 12 11 12 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 8 of 16 10/29/2025 7 Firemen’s Relief & Pension (Budget page 80) Risk Mgmt./Employee Benefits Department Description •Provides for a single-employer, defined benefit pension plan to retired firefighters employed prior to 3/1/1970 as governed by RCW 41.16 and 41.18. •Currently two retirees and/or dependents (out of 3 eligible) who currently receive this pension benefit •Revenue source is a state-shared revenue distribution of Fire Insurance Premium Tax Proposed Budget •Proposed Revenue: $105,000 •Proposed Expenses: $20,000 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 33.3% Highlights and Changes •The budget has been set to reflect the average payout of claims and the increased funding received year-to-date. 13 GO Bonds & LOCAL Borrowing (Budget page 82) Debt Service Department Description Accomplishments •General Obligation Bonds are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the City and are used for governmental type capital improvements •State law sets a maximum amount of General Obligation debt that can be outstanding at any given time. •City Council has the authority to bond up to 1.5% of the assessed property value in our jurisdiction •The LOCAL borrowing program is sponsored by the Washington State Treasurer. The State issues bonds on behalf of local governments to obtain more favorable interest rates that are based on the State’s bond rating. •Water and Sewer revenue bonds paid in full in 2024. •Close funds 450 – 453 and 485 - move remaining fund balances to appropriate enterprise or capital funds 14 13 14 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 9 of 16 10/29/2025 8 General Obligation Bonds & LOCAL Borrowing Debt Service Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $1,452,664 •Proposed Expenses: $1,452,614 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 0.1% •Final payment on the General Obligation bond will be made in 2026. •Two fire apparatus financed through LOCAL borrowing – final payments in 2030 and 2031 respectively •Larson Recreation Center financed through LOCAL borrowing – maturity date in 2041. 15 Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA)(Budget page 84) Other Operating Funds Department Description Accomplishments •The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) were provided to eligible state, local, territorial, and tribal governments under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via the United States Department of Treasury to help entities respond to and recover from the COVID-19 emergency. •All funds that were obligated for project or staff costs at the end of 2025 have been paid out. •All remaining funds are obligated and will be paid out by December 31, 2026 16 15 16 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 10 of 16 10/29/2025 9 Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Other Operating Funds Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $0 •Proposed Expenses: $1,495,557 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 28.7% •Projects/costs to be paid out in 2026 are: •GC Animal Outreach – capital $ 500,000 •GC Animal Outreach – operations $ 181,000 •Police wages $ 438,678 •Technology Services wages $ 133,579 •Tyler ERP software implementation $ 242,300 •Total Expenditures $1,495,557 17 Opioid Abatement Fund (Budget page 85) Other Operating Funds Department Description •Administers proceeds from statewide opioid settlement agreements through the North Central Washington Opioid Council (OAC), in partnership with Chelan and Grant Counties. •Coordinates with the OAC to align local funding decisions with regional strategies addressing substance use disorders and behavioral health needs. Accomplishments •$26,869 used to fund the purchase of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle for transport and outreach, and a 0.4 FTE (Carceral Recovery Coach) – 1 year to advance 18 17 18 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 11 of 16 10/29/2025 10 Opioid Abatement Fund Other Operating Funds Proposed Budget •Proposed Revenue: $55,000 •Proposed Expenses: $103,604 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 1,569.7% - initial distribution and 2025 budget did not include distributions received after May 2024 Highlights and Changes •Budget reflects amounts anticipated to be received through June 30, 2025. Additional distributions are expected, but timing and amounts are unknown at this time 19 Transportation Benefit District (TBD) (Budget page 86) Other Operating Funds Department Description Accomplishments •Created to acquire, construct, improve, provide and fund transportation improvements within the district •Funding is from a three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) sales tax. •The first two-tenths (0.2%) is voter approved and passed on the November 2017 general election ballot. •The additional one-tenth (0.1%) is Councilmanic and was authorized on December 12, 2023 •A six-year transportation capital improvement plan was created 20 19 20 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 12 of 16 10/29/2025 11 Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Other Operating Funds Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $4,050,000 •Proposed Expenses: $5,887,500 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 15.7% •The initial two-tenths (0.2%) sales tax ballot will expire in 2027 •A ballot measure resolution to renew the transportation sales tax will be presented to City Council at a future Council meeting •The budget proposes drawing down the ending fund balance to fund Street Operations and several transportation capital improvement projects identified on the six-year transportation capital improvement plan 21 Unemployment Compensation Fund (Budget page 88) Risk Mgmt./Employee Benefits Department Description Accomplishments •Maintained to cover unemployment claims filed by former City employees •City is self-insured and pays the costs of claims plus minimal administration fees rather than paying premiums •The City charges (allocates) “premiums” to operating divisions to cover program costs •Premiums are based on number of employees in the division •Parks seasonal employee program is the largest users of employment •Parks & Recreation pays the largest share of estimated benefit 22 21 22 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 13 of 16 10/29/2025 12 Unemployment Compensation Fund Risk Mgmt./Employee Benefits Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $70,566 •Proposed Expenses: $75,000 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 50% •Revenues for 2026 reduced to reflect actual claims and available fund balance to pay claims •Increases in claims paid in 2024 and 2025 have led to an increase in anticipated expenditures in 2026 23 Risk Mgmt. – Insurance (Budget page 89) Risk Mgmt./Employee Benefits Department Description Accomplishments •Self-insured fund •Accounts for risk management costs (program administration, legal expense & claims, liability, property, and other miscellaneous insurance coverages, underwriting services, claims administration, risk management services, training and education) •The City is a member of the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) risk pool •All operating divisions pay a “premium” to cover the total program •Vehicle and inland marine deductibles were increased, resulting in a decreased premium for 2026 •Actual judgements and damages trending lower since 2023 24 23 24 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 14 of 16 10/29/2025 13 Risk Mgmt. - Insurance Risk Mgmt./Employee Benefits Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $1,999,240 •Proposed Expenses: $2,062,976 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Decrease 16.5% •Lower premium anticipated in 2026 •Final premium amount will be provided in December •Decreased budgeted judgements and damages to reflect actual payouts over the past three years •Potentially utilizing $64,000 of fund balance in 2026 25 Sanitation (Budget page 91) Enterprise Funds Department Description Accomplishments •Contract with Waste Connections (dba Lakeside Disposal) to provide sanitation services to residents and businesses of the City •Utility Billing division manages the contract, interfaces with the contractor and develops rates to customers •Conducted two cleanups in partnership with Lakeside Disposal and Downtown Moses Lake Association •Three collection locations saw ~120 vehicles and collected 11.81 tons of household waste 26 25 26 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 15 of 16 10/29/2025 14 Sanitation Enterprise Funds Proposed Budget Highlights and Changes •Proposed Revenue: $7,055,000 •Proposed Expenses: $6,999,189 •Increase/Decrease over 2025 budget: Increase 17.2% •No rate increase budgeted in 2026. •Will continue to monitor and evaluate need for rate increase in future years •Two Citywide Cleanup Days provided for in current contract •Will discuss with Lakeside potential for additional cleanups to address City Council priority #3 27 Madeline Prentice Finance Director, Finance mprentice@cityofml.com 509 764 3732 For comments and questions: 28 27 28 COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 16 of 16 1 NCW Libraries | Moses Lake Public Library – Council Information Brief Prepared by Barbara Walters, Executive Director, NCW Libraries | Purpose This brief is intended to provide background information for the Moses Lake City Council on the historic partnership between NCW Libraries and the City of Moses Lake, including shared costs, operating responsibilities, and upcoming investments in the library facility. Background The Moses Lake Public Library is one of the largest and most active branches in the NCW Libraries system. In 2024, the branch recorded 64,873 circulations, welcomed 65,133 visitors, and issued 1,328 new library cards—demonstrating its essential role as a hub for learning, connection, and community engagement. Specifically, the Moses Lake library: Engaged more than 600 participants in the 2024 Summer Library Program Partnered with the Moses Lake Community Coalition and local schools. Showcased local and Indigenous artists through community arts programs. Hosted bilingual storytimes and family literacy events reflecting community diversity. These metrics reflect the Moses Lake library’s critical role in serving the local community. Key Provisions of Building Maintenance & Use Agreement (BM&U) Provision of Library Buildings: Neither library districts (i.e. NCW Libraries) nor cities are legally required to provide a physical library building to facilitate the provision of library services. Library services can be oǱfered through mail-order, digital resources, or oǱf-site programs, including outreach and bookmobile services. That said, communities typically expect to have access to a physical space. NCW Libraries was established to serve rural, unincorporated areas creatively, sometimes without permanent facilities. City’s Responsibility for Facilities If a city wants library services to be provided in a physical building, the responsibility for providing and maintaining the building space rests with the city. Since 1982, NCW Libraries has provided stipends to local cities to help oǱfset facility costs, recognizing that both city and non-city residents use local libraries. It should be noted that, under this arrangement, NCW Libraries is the only library district in the state that makes payments to a local jurisdiction associated with maintaining a physical library building space. The Moses Lake library building and surrounding property are owned by the City—not leased to NCW Libraries. COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 17 of 20 2 NCW Libraries does not pay rent but provides a small stipend, in the form of reimbursement for janitorial and maintenance costs. The stipend is calculated on the same basis for all branch libraries in the NCW Libraries district. NCW Libraries Responsibilities: All staǱfing and personnel costs for all library operations throughout the district — including wages, benefits, training, and professional development. Collections and materials — books, eBooks, audiobooks, databases, and digital subscriptions. Technology infrastructure — computers, Wi-Fi, printers, integrated library systems (ILS), cybersecurity, and technical support. Furniture, equipment, and supplies — including service desks, shelving, public seating, and specialized hardware. Programs and outreach for all ages — literacy, digital skills, STEAM, early learning, and community partnerships. Marketing, communications, and design support for events and services. Regional administration and coordination — HR, finance, facilities, IT, and library operations management. $1.3 million designated by the board for the Reimagining Spaces Project. Autonomy in Facility Decisions NCW Libraries does not decide where or how a city provides physical space for its local branch library (if any). Decisions regarding whether to have a physical library space belong to the city, based on financial capacity and community needs. NCW Libraries is not required to provide a physical library space to make services available in the community. NCW Libraries oǱfers recommendations through its Branch Library Siting Policy but does not impose requirements. Historical Context: Moses Lake Annexation Resolution (1984) When the City of Moses Lake annexed into the regional library district (NCW Libraries) in 1984, the voter-approved resolution expressly established the City’s ongoing responsibility for its library building. The resolution stated, in relevant part: That upon being annexed into the district, the City of Moses Lake shall, in the absence of a contract with the district providing otherwise, if it desires service utilizing a building within said city, provide a suitable building and/or space in a building for the library for the City of Moses Lake, and shall pay for all necessary utilities and maintenance associated therewith. The foregoing language, approved by the City Council and voters in the City of Moses Lake, remains the legal foundation of our partnership today — confirming that library services with the City are funded regionally by NCW Libraries, but the library facility itself is solely and exclusively a City responsibility. COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 18 of 20 3 Operational & Financial Context (2025) To date in 2025, NCW Libraries’ total operating investment in the Moses Lake Library is $1,028,041. Financial Overview *per Moses Lakes 2025 adopted budget City’s 2025 budget: approximately $117.2 million. Library facility line item: $68,700, just 0.06% of total spending. After NCW Libraries’ $47,792 reimbursement, the City’s net cost is only $20,908 (< $1 per resident). The City’s partnership with NCW Libraries provides significant value to Moses Lake taxpayers by leveraging NCW Libraries’ district-wide resources — including centralized purchasing, digital platforms, courier systems, and IT infrastructure — to deliver a high level of service that would otherwise require substantial local investment. Future Investment: Reimagining Spaces Project The NCW Libraries Board of Trustees has designated $1.31 million from the Reimagining Spaces Fund for improvements to the Moses Lake Public Library. This investment will modernize the branch library space to better reflect community needs, with improved accessibility, technology integration, and flexible spaces for collaboration and learning. COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 19 of 20 4 This commitment by NCW Libraries also positions the City to pursue matching funds through state and federal grants, local partnerships, and private foundations, creating an opportunity for shared investment in a renewed community space. City’s Proposed Amendment for the 2026 Building Maintenance and Use Agreement Increase reimbursement rate from $4.00 to $5.00 per sq. ft. Adjust square footage from 11,948 to 10,443 sq. ft. Prohibit Narcan vending machines on City property. Require annual renewal with no automatic extension. NCW Libraries’ Response to Proposed Amendments A reimbursement rate increase is financially unsustainable and would create inequity across the other 30 branches throughout NCW Libraries. The $4.00 rate was set by the Board of Trustees and must remain system-wide for consistency. NCW Libraries does not object to the square footage adjustment. NCW Libraries has already removed the Narcan vending machine, per the city’s request and does not have plans to re-install any such machine. The City’s ordinance further makes it unnecessary to include the prohibition in the Agreement. NCW Libraries strives for uniformity in all of its Agreements. NCW Libraries is open to supporting a city-led facility assessment to better understand long-term capital needs. Looking Ahead NCW Libraries is committed to ensuring that all residents of Moses Lake have access to safe, welcoming, and well-resourced library services. Continued collaboration between the City and NCW Libraries will strengthen this essential partnership and sustain high-quality services for years to come. Contact: Barbara Walters | Executive Director (509) 679.5550 16 N. Columbia St. Wenatchee, WA 98801 Accuracy and Accountability NCW Libraries’ reputation and credibility rest on providing accurate, transparent information to our communities. When incorrect or misleading statements are shared in public forums, it risks creating confusion and undermining public trust. If such narratives continue, NCW Libraries will have a responsibility to respond with factual information to protect both our institutional integrity and the public’s understanding of how library services are governed and funded. COML Council Packet 11-6-25, Page 20 of 20