How to finance the deal, and whether to go forward, is somethingofficials have until the middle of next week to hash out and keepnegotiations moving. Initially, the city manger, council membersand other officials suggested the 298,000-sf telecommunicationsbuilding located across from the Meydenbauer Center at 450 110thAve. N.E. could be bought without raising property taxes. Insteadof raising property taxes for the acquisition and renovation,GlobeSt.com reported in September the city was considering tappingreserve funds and revenue for future capital projects that could bedelayed.

Up for consideration by council this week was a slightlydifferent financing plan. City staffers have proposed paying forthe bulk of venture with funds from sales and business taxes. But aportion -- about 12% would come from the city's reserve funds androughly 9% would be generated by a slight property tax hike --about $10 a year for the average homeowner. The building is valuedat nearly $58 million.

If a deal is struck, Qwest intends to lease back space until ithas completed the relocation of several hundred workers to its32-story office building located at 1600 Seventh Ave. in DowntownSeattle. Bellevue would use the Qwest building for consolidatedpolice and fire headquarters and city departments.