Library’s future might hinge on vote

MILL CREEK – Library service in Mill Creek could soon be a thing of the past, some city officials and residents are saying.

Others aren’t so sure.

Currently, Mill Creek pays $530,000 per year to the Sno-Isle Regional Library System to run the library. But a ballot measure in Tuesday’s primary election would have residents pay a tax to Sno-Isle so funding wouldn’t come out of the city’s budget.

If the measure fails, Sno-Isle would bow out, and the city could not cover the cost, officials said.

Even if the half-million dollars is removed from the budget, the city is still projected to be $150,000 to $450,000 in the red in the next two years, City Manager Bob Stowe said.

That’s why resident Barbara Masterson, co-chairwoman of the “Yes for Libraries” group promoting passage of the measure, volunteered to help run the campaign.

“If this yes vote doesn’t pass, then our library closes,” Masterson said.

No organized opposition to the measure has surfaced. But Pam Pruitt, a former City Council member, is skeptical about the measure.

“This isn’t about the library,” she said. The city is “holding it hostage,” when it should have had an open discussion with residents about how to address its revenue shortage.

“They’re getting us to tax ourselves so they can spend it on other city services,” Pruitt said.

Property owners would pay 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $150 per year for the owner of a $300,000 home, if the measure is approved. That would equal the tax property owners in unincorporated Snohomish and Island counties and those in 12 other cities pay to Sno-Isle.

Council member John “Jack” Start said if the measure fails it won’t necessarily mean the end of the library. He said current funding would keep the library open through the end of 2005, giving the city time to find a solution.

“Like a lot of revenue measures, it if doesn’t pass the first time it has a way of reappearing on the ballot,” he said.

Start said the city could have put its own tax on the ballot to cover its expenses, including the library.

The Mill Creek library is the fourth-busiest of the 20 libraries Sno-Isle operates, drawing more than 140,000 visits last year, said Mary Kelly, Sno-Isle spokeswoman. If the library were to close, Mill Creek residents would not be able to get a card at other Sno-Isle libraries.

Reporter Bill Sheets: 435-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.