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Council members question library community-room fees; staff to circulate full policy for review
Summary
During consent-agenda review the council discussed the library board's community-room policy—specifically a $150 refundable deposit and a $20-per-hour rental rate—and expressed concern that the fees could limit public use; staff agreed to provide the complete policy for council review and to discuss revisions at the next library board meeting.
A discussion during the consent-agenda review on Feb. 24 focused on the Cascade Public Library board's community-room policy and whether its fee structure would limit public access.
Council members noted the minutes show the policy sets a $150 refundable deposit and a $20-per-hour rental fee (the minutes also referenced a cap “not to exceed $100” for hourly charges). Several councilmembers said they expected a community room to be readily available for local groups such as scouts, senior gatherings and informal community activities and that nonprofit groups should be treated differently from private rentals for events like bridal showers.
Councilmember Bill (surname used in discussion) and others urged the library board to consider more flexible rates or exemptions for regular community programs. A councilmember asked staff to circulate the full community-room policy text so members could read the full policy rather than relying solely on minutes.
Library staff said they would provide a copy of the entire policy to council and that the library board could discuss potential adjustments at its next meeting. The consent agenda, which included the library board minutes, was approved by the council; members agreed to follow up with questions and potential revisions at the next library board meeting.
