I’m a Renton citizen of 35 years concerned about the proposed annexation of Renton Library by the King County Library System. I’ve been studying the Renton annexation brochure and I find two glaring inconsistencies.

City Council tries to make the point for annexation in its example of “Comparative Household Costs” on page 7 without mentioning the third possibility. That is Renton Library continuing as is until the master plan can be implemented, continuing the reciprocal use agreement with KCLS. That figure would be .26, not .65 as shown. There would be no tax increase.

In that same brochure it’s stated that although KCLS would take over library operations, buying land and paying for new buildings or improvements would be Renton’s responsibility. Under “Would Renton Library Facilities Close?”  Renton’s annexation brochure states, “In the future (2011 or later), the City of Renton and KCLS would develop and construct replacement facilities for both branches in the locations to be acquired by the city.” Then it continues: “The city would be responsible for the cost of development and construction of both branches.” We taxpayers still have to pay for these improvements regardless of who implements them.

The Renton annexation brochure continues, “Ownership of the new library properties and buildings would be transferred to KCLS after construction.” Would the city be repaid for costs incurred? Would the buildings and improvements be transferred at the original estimated cost? At the actual cost of construction or at fair market value? Who would make the valuation?

At this point, due to these inconsistencies, and budgetary constraints admitted to by KCLS, I have strong doubts that annexation will benefit the taxpayers of Renton.

Beth Asher

Renton