Kennewick — The Kennewick City Council gave a group of community and business leaders the official nod to move forward on the Carousel of Dreams as long as it doesn’t involve any more taxpayer dollars.

The council voted 6-1 to support the nonprofit Three Rivers Carousel Foundation’s plans to build a home for the 100-year-old carousel near the Southridge Sports and Events Complex. Councilman Don Britain voted against it.

Britain said while he isn't against the carousel project, he still has some concerns, including the city's liability and what would happen if the carousel is not sustainable after the first two years.

He said he doesn't want to see taxpayer dollars involved with operating and maintaining the carousel.

The nonprofit board estimates it will cost about $1.9 million to create a new building reminiscent of a circus tent to house the carousel and to get the 1910 Charles Carmel carousel back to running condition.

The group says it can pay for the work with donations.

The council was considering selling the carousel horses to recoup some of the $830,000 the city invested in the project.

The horses, bought in 2003, were restored and have been sitting in city storage.

But the city gave the nonprofit and its new board members another chance to finish the project in January.

For the full story, read Wednesday’s Tri-City Herald or go to www.tricityherald.com.