Tuesday night was the culmination of a long debate over the future of Peoria's libraries.

In a 9-1 vote, city council members voted to approve the issuance of 28 million dollar in bonds to the Library Board...not the 35–million–dollars the board was seeking.
The decision comes after more than 3 years of research and 40 public hearings.

What a difference a month makes..
At the last city council meeting the mayor and other council members blasted the Library Board President Mike McKenzie for not compromising.

Tuesday, one by one, almost every council member commended the Library Board along with Councilman Gary Sandberg for their efforts.
And in return board President Mike McKenzie thanked the council for their due diligence.

"This will be remembered as the great compromise in 2008 for Peoria. And it's proof that prudent citizens can work together and can do it in a way that's responsible," said council member Ryan Spain.

"I'm confident that we agree with the council that this is the best plan for the city as a whole at this time," said McKenzie.
I'd like thank the entire city council for working toward this compromise.

McKenzie says the seven million dollar gap will probably affect some of the renovations to the Lakeview branch.
The library board will meet next Tuesday to discuss a site for their north branch location.
In other council news a moratorium was passed on payday lending institutions.
Councilwoman Barbara Van Auken says in two weeks she plans to put forth an ordinance in front of the council that will help limit the number of permits granted to cash advance stores.

Reporting Live in the newsroom tonight I'm Syreeta Baker.
Back to you.