City of Wenatchee Transfers Wenatchee Library Property

The City of Wenatchee entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the North Central Washington Libraries District to transfer the Wenatchee Library located in Memorial Park.

Under the previous 50/50 ownership agreement, the city helped pay for some of the capital improvements while the library district was in charge of maintenance.

Mayor Frank Kuntz said the deal comes after a significant remodel of the building cost about $4.5 million, of which the City contributed $100,000.

"So as they were doing that, it became apparent that they really had more money in that building than we did. They asked us and we agreed that maybe we should just give them the entire building." explained Kuntz, "They would be in charge of maintaining it and making sure it's in good shape."

Under the deal, the city would have no further obligations regarding the building for the next 30 years. In the event that the library district later surpluses and sells the property within the next 30 years, 25% of the total net sales proceeds will be allocated to a physical library improvement within the city limits.