Liberty Lake council directs staff to place advisory question on ballot for Town Square library and community center

The Liberty Lake City Council voted 4-2 on July 30 to direct city staff to place an advisory question on the November ballot asking whether the city should proceed with building a new Liberty Lake Library and Community Center at Town Square.

Mayor Mara Burton said the measure is meant to give the broadest possible public input when the council lacks a final, fully detailed project packet. "Having an advisory vote, one line on a ballot with a very limited amount of space to explain what the question is, is so much less effective than our public engagement process," Burton said, but added the vote would supply a snapshot of voter sentiment as the council moves into budget planning.

The advisory question must be filed with the county elections office by the close of business on Aug. 5, city staff told the council. Kyle, a city staff presenter, told the council the explanatory statement that appears in the voters pamphlet is limited to 75 words and the ballot title (subject matter) is limited to 10 words. City Attorney Sean said an advisory vote "is not a binding vote and is not the same as a ballot measure," and described practical differences the council would need to capture in the resolution and explanatory text.

Why it matters: Council members and residents who testified said the item will shape budgeting and fundraising choices. Supporters said a one-time advisory snapshot could reach thousands of voters who do not attend meetings…