Council reviews options to keep Mabton Library open after Yakima Valley Libraries proposal
Summary
Council reviewed a resident survey and Yakima Valley Libraries' cost estimate; staff reported ~60 survey responses with 78% supporting continuing an agreement, and presented options including annexation (district would assume service authority, reducing the city's annual share to roughly $32,000) or converting the building into a smaller Mabton Community Learning Center supported by grants and volunteers.
Council discussed the future of the Mabton Library after staff shared numbers from Yakima Valley Libraries and results of a short resident survey.
Sophie said the city received about 60 survey responses; staff cited that 42% of respondents reported they use the library frequently and 78% favored continuing the library agreement. Sophie told the council that keeping the library open under Yakima Valley Libraries' model would cost the city about $68,000–$70,000 annually, while annexation into the Yakima Valley Library District would shift operations to the district and reduce the city’s direct annual share to roughly $32,000 (the district would collect property-tax money to cover service costs). Sophie also noted the city owns the building.
Council members proposed alternatives if the city cannot cover the full cost: retaining the building as a smaller city-run “Mabton Community Learning Center” with limited days/hours focused on free Wi-Fi, computer access, homework support and volunteer staffing (for example, high-school volunteers or retired teachers). Sophie said the city has a $6,000 Save the Children grant that could buy a few computers and shelving to start a learning-center model; council members discussed seeking additional grants and community donations of books and furniture.
No final decision was made; staff will explore grant opportunities and report back during the budget process. Council also discussed possible annexation timing and the requirement that annexation go to voters if pursued. The council asked staff to invite a Yakima Valley Libraries representative to an upcoming meeting to break down the cost details for the council and residents.
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