HomeMy WebLinkAbout18-006 Adopting an “Overdue Fine Free” Policy for the City of Port Townsend Public Library and Authorizing the Forgiveness of Outstanding Overdue FeesResolution 18-006
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RESOLUTION NO. 18-006
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING AN "OVERDUE FINE FREE" POLICY FOR THE CITY
OF PORT TOWNSEND PUBLIC LIBRARY AND AUTHORIZING THE
FORGIVENESS OF OUTSTANDING OVERDUE FEES
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend Public Library ("Library") is a conscientious
steward of public assets and resources for the roughly 50,000 items available for public use in
the library's collection; and,
WHEREAS, the Library's current practice is to assess overdue fines for items not
returned when due, and to assess replacement fees equal to the cost of replacement for materials
that are not returned or are damaged by borrowers; and,
WHEREAS, the Library does not rely on revenue generated from overdue fees; and,
WHEREAS, overdue fees can create barriers to using the library for library cardholders,
especially children and families, reducing access to learning opportunities during periods of
critical learning and development; and,
WHEREAS, public libraries world-wide are moving to eliminate fees for overdue
materials as a best practice to serve communities in an equitable manner; and,
WHEREAS, the City's Director of Finance and Administrative Services and City
Attorney have determined that the cost to the City of collecting outstanding overdue fines
exceeds the amount of revenue that could reasonably be expected to be received, and
recommends Council authorize writing them off as bad debt;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
Section '1. The City of Port Townsend Public Library will no longer assess fines
for overdue materials. The Library shall continue to recover the replacement costs of
materials that are not returned or that are damaged by borrowers.
Section 2. Staff is authorized to write off overdue fines that are outstanding on the
effective date of this Resolution.
Resolution 18-006
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ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a special meeting
thereof, held this 5th day of February, 2018.
Attest:
Joanna Sanders,.. .....�.���.
MMC
City Clerk
:�c;orah S. `Ainsot
Mayor
Aj)piwved as to form:
Steven L. Gross
City Attorney