1981 09 233200
CITY OF MOSES LAKE
MOSES LAKE,WASHINGTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - SPECIAL SESSION September 23,1981
POLICE/COUNCIL FACILITY 8 p.m.
Members Present:Robert Hill,Steve Shinn,Harvey Vernier,Charles Edwards,Norm
Johnson,Don Swanson,and Barry Ziegler
The meeting was called to order at 8 p.m.by Mayor Robert Hill.
LIBRARY ,.7
Mr.Hill stated that the city had budgeted about $58,000 in 1981 for the North
Central Regional Library.The city was informed about a month ago that the cost
would be increased approximately $30,000.He stated that the 1981 Regional Library
budget is a total of $1,361,000.He stated that the 1982 budget would be about
$2,078,000 This is over a 50%increase.This increase will allow the library to
be open additional hours and to increase publications.He stated that it bothered
him that the Regional Library Board did not recognize the fact that the city is a
tax supported entity and it has had to trim its 1982 proposed budget.
Mr.Johnson stated that the city has not been hiring and has tried to cut the
budget and he felt that the Regional Library should be asked to do the same by not
increasing hours or adding additional publications.
Mr.Ziegler stated that the problem is the city does not have the additional $30,000
being assessed.
Mr.Edwards wanted to know if the additional hours,personnel,and periodicals
could be eliminated and a more reasonable figure be assessed.
Skip Munson,Moses Lake Librarian,stated that those types of items are set by the
Regional Library Board.
Mr.Hill stated that Ephrata's budget is $68,000 of which $35,000 is employee
figures.They have been working to build up their library since 1960.He stated
that the city has an employee that could make a study of the cost of the city
operating the library on its own.He stated that he would suggest the city advise
the Regional Library Board that the city is withdrawing from the regional library
service area and will be making a cost analysis to see about operating it ourselves.
There was some discussion on whether or not arrangements could be made other than
the city pulling out of the North Central Regional Library System.It was pointed
out that the same type of formula is being used to assess all entities in the
Regional Library System and Moses Lake could not get special arrangements.It was
pointed out that several cities are looking into alternatives due to the high
assessments.
Mr.Hill moved that the City of Moses Lake advise the North Central Regional Library
that the city will withdraw from the Regional Library system,seconded by Mr.
Ziegler.
Mr.Shinn stated that the Regional Library has been able to raise their assessment
but the city has not and so the city cannot pass on the additional costs.He did
not believe the city would have the additional money being requested.He would be
in favor of this motion but would be receptive to any suggestions the Regional
Library Board may come up with.
Mr.Swanson stated that he would like to see the city stay in the system if the
assessment could be an amount the city could afford.
Mr.Johnson stated that he would like the letter to point out the city is withdraw
ing because it cannot afford to stay in.
The motion passed with Mr.Hill,Mr.Edwards,Mr.Shinn,and Mr.Ziegler in favor
and Mr.Vernier,Mr.Johnson,and Mr.Swanson opposed.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:2 September 23,1981
Mr.Gavinski stated the city would look into starting a library system on our own.
This would essentially be putting a new department together.
Mr.Hill stated that with the 4/3 vote,the city would be open to a compromise if
Mr.Lynch could come up with one.
Mr.Gavinski stated that it would take at least a couple of weeks before any kind
of a report would be ready.He stated that he would like to ask the assistance of
the Association of Washington Cities and also look at other communities who have
their own library.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
Robert E.Hill,Mayor
City Clerk
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