After an emotional evening of debate, Renton City Council decided Monday night not to take a formal stand on the upcoming library annexation vote.

“I really didn’t want to find myself in a position of trying to skew the public mood one way or another,” said council member Randy Corman. “Rather I just wanted the public to feel good about making a decision.”

Renton residents will decide Feb. 9 whether to annex their public library to the King County Library System.

While some residents are tempted by KCLS’s extensive services, others favor local control over their library.

Monday’s public meeting included a formal debate.

About 12 attendees, most opposing the annexation, also addressed City Council.

“I felt like it was one of the most courteous intelligent public forums I’ve ever seen,” Corman said.

Although the council did not announce a formal position, individual members shared their opinions.

Six of the seven council members expressed their individual favor of annexing to KCLS, while Marcie Palmer was the sole dissenter.

Don Persson and Terri Briere each said they surprised themselves when they discovered their own conclusions to support the annexation.

“I think there is a lot of emotion,” Parker said. “Change is tough.”

Though favoring the annexation, Parker asked for the meeting.

“I think it’s important that things get out and that everyone be aware of this,” he said. “I think that adds credibility to our city.”

At one point the audience erupted in applause when Palmer asked if they’d be willing to support a tax levy to improve the library, assuming voters don’t annex the system.

“I was glad in the end we just gave everyone the chance to air their views,” Corman said. “Now it’s in the hands of the voters.”

The meeting was broadcast on <a href="http://rentonwa.gov/news/default.aspx?id=9452"Channel 21.