Renton Public Library is vulnerable to city budgetary decisions which fluctuate with the economy over time. Renton Public Library is frequently on the chopping block during budget cuts because none of us want to cut vital city services such as our Police and Fire departments. As a result, RPL has been neglected and falling behind for decades.

Adding to funding unpredictability is the Reciprocal Agreement between Renton and KCLS. In 2008 the city paid per-use net fee of $72,000 for Renton residents to use KCLS services. In 2009 this cost rose to $278,000. There is no cap on this fee. As Renton’s population continues to boom (we’ve doubled in just 10 years), as the disparity between RPL and KCLS continues to grow, and as KCLS builds and renovates locations more convenient for our residents along our borders, this fee will continue to rise exponentially. It’s not realistic to pretend this growing fee is financially sustainable over time and thus assume Renton residents will always have the choice to use KCLS.

Opponents say the city should pass a bond that gives more funds to the library. That’s a great idea, but again, it’s just not realistic. First, if that bond were to fail, 2010 budget cuts are set to drastically cut our services and branch/staff hours effective March 1. Second, even if such a bond were to pass during these difficult economic times, we’d not only have to pay to bridge the huge gap in our facilities, services and resources, but also pay to maintain and sustain those improvements.

Despite the misinformation being propagated, the extensive two-year Master Plan Study concluded that joining RPL with KCLS will cost Renton taxpayers the same or less than remaining independent. Thus, providing Renton residents the services we need and deserve while giving us more for our money.

Nicole Wicks

co-chair, Renton for KCLS Now