HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-08-30 - AGENDA REPORTS - FINANCING LIBRARY NEEDS (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 30, 1990
TO: City Manager and City Council
FROM: Andrea Daroca, Director of Finane
SUBJECT: Study Session, September 5, 1990 — Financing for future city library
needs
Presently, the County of Los Angeles maintains three public libraries within
the city. All three (Valencia, Newhall and Canyon) are in need of additional
resources including added storage space, break areas, and resource materials.
This is due to rapid city growth at a pace the county cannot keep up with.
Whereas the county will continue to maintain and run these libraries, they
have made it quite clear that they lack the means to provide for future
library expansion and new library development in Santa Clarita, or any other
city for that matter. In fact, they have retrenched library service since the
passage of Proposition 13. Thus, providing for the future fiscal library
needs of the city has essentially been placed in Santa Clarita's own hands.
A major issue for the Council to consider is: Does the City want to get
involved in the library business? We are currently assuming Public Works
services that have not been fully incorporated into the city. We have
increasing demands from our existing functions. What priority is this service
as compared to other services? Additionally, this service will not bring with
it revenues to support the service. As indicated above, any future library
expansion within the city will have to be financed by the city. Staff seeks
policy direction from Council on this matter. It must be noted, however, that
regardless of the direction Council wishes to pursue, one way or the other
Santa Clarita will be primarily responsible towards financing any library
expansion.
Staff believes there are two possible directions the city can take, the first
of these being to completely abandon the county system. To pull out of the
county system, a city may do so either by Council motion or by a voted ballot
measure. Santa Clarita can create its own library system, but financing will
have to come from our own General Fund. There are statutory provisions for
the city to receive a portion of the property tax which finances the
libraries, but the statute is weak and based on "negotiations" with the county
to transfer property tax proceeds to the city. Additionally, any tax transfer
eventually received from the county will be minor.
The second direction would be for the city to continue its relationship with
the county. The library business is a costly one, one where no revenues are
derived. Whether the city stays with or abandons the county system, the city
will still be primarily responsible for funding new facilities. With the
county system, the city will be able to defray the cost of operating libraries.
Agenda Item:_C:,_�.
August 30, 1990
Page 2
Staff has identified various options towards financing library facilities.
Both working with and independent of the county, Santa Clarita may provide for
its expanding needs. These financing methods include: bond issues, special
assessment districts, certificates of participation, as well as a
redevelopment agency. Additionally, contributions from the local business
community and corporate sponsorship could be sought as well. Funding
possibilities currently being researched include development impact fees and
Proposition 85 library construction grant money.
At this time, both staff and county representatives believe the present
facility in Canyon Country exhibits the greatest need for expansion of
services.
Presently, the Canyon library serves five preschools, ten elementary schools,
one junior high and two high schools. This 5050.square foot library, located
on upper Soledad Canyon, is difficult to reach during peak traffic hours and
offers poor accessibility to the numerous library users. There is one parking
lot designed for library use. This lot has a maximum capacity for eighteen
vehicles, of this five spaces are designated for staff. It is evident that
parking poses a major concern for this site.
A recent report on services and utilities needed in the Santa Clarita valley
indicates a 30,000 square foot shortage of library space and 43,000 fewer
books than required by county standards. In view of this and given that the
county has built only two libraries, both replacement libraries funded
primarily by each city since the passage of Prop 13, staff believes it may be
appropriate to move towards acquiring a site and constructing a city—owned
library facility.
A tentative site exists for such a library facility in Canyon Country. This
site is adjacent to a proposed park to be built on West Nadal Street directly
across from Canyon High. Developers have expressed to staff their willingness
to donate this more than adequate area. This could potentially result in
doubling the size of the existing Canyon library. Other developers may agree
to. help finance the construction of such a facility. This would alleviate
both the problem of accessibility and shortage of parking experienced at the
current facility. Additionally, this site would be ideal due to its proximity
to Canyon High.
Once constructed, the city could enter into a lease with the county so that
they may staffi maintain and operate this facility. The nature of such a
lease could be left to the discretion of the Council. The county currently
leases other library facilities throughout various cities they serve.
Finally, with regard to the existing Canyon library, staff has discussed with
county library representatives the possibility of selling the current Canyon
library and reinvesting such funds back into the new facility. A recent
"windshield" appraisal of the Canyon site, conducted by the County Internal
Services Department, places the value of this site at $580,000 — $620,000.
This estimate is based upon recent transactions for similar property in this
August 30, 1990
Page 3
area. Since this library will serve both county and city residents alike, a
valid argument can be made to back the city's desire to see -these funds
reinvested into the city.
Discuss .the matter of provision of library services in the city and provide
policy direction to staff.
xc: Dept. Heads
Sandra Reuben, County Librarian
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