MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A partnership between the City of Moses Lake and the North Central Washington Library District may end in January if a new contract is not signed, raising concerns among community members about the potential closure of a vital resource.
The current arrangement has the city providing the building and maintenance for the library, while the library district funds staff, collections and programs and pays the city about $45,000 annually for the building’s use, supported by Moses Lake taxpayer dollars.
Austin Foglesong, supervising librarian, said he it is concerning to think about the partnership potentially ending.
“Moses Lake being almost 30,000 people and 45,000 in the surrounding area… to think of them not having access to [the library] is troubling. It’s so sad,” he said.
The city has indicated that the current payment may no longer cover the costs of the aging 60-year-old building and necessary updates, prompting a review of the contract terms.
“It’s an old building. At 60 years old, it’s given a lot to this community, and we’d love to see it for another 60,” Foglesong added.
Tim Dillman, associate director of community libraries said concerns about the library closing are premature.
“This is just a process that sometimes takes time to sort out,” he said.
The city has recommended a building and lease rate assessment to reevaluate the district’s yearly payment.
“I think it’s what people want out of their elected officials – to evaluate the terms of a contract in an agreement to make certain that it is the best agreement for taxpayers,” Dillman said.
So far, the library district said there have been no discussions about ending the partnership or closing the library, but that community members are encouraged to communicate with elected officials about the importance of city services like the library.
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