Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout050301C Port Townsend Library Board Meeting Port Townsend Library May 3, 1001 Present: Bill Maxwell (President), Sarah Muirhead, Eileen Price, Larry Thomas Excused: Kate Schuman Guest: Dave Timmons (City Manager) Staff: Linnea Patrick (Director), Beth deJarnette (minutes) Subject of Discussion: Special Library Board meeting to discuss library funding alternatives. The meeting began at 9:00 am. Sarah reported the Book Boost funds to date total $2,600. Plans are in place for the opening celebration of Laura Popenoe's show "The Largess of Light" at the bishop Hotel May 5, 2001. Half of all sales from the show will be donated to the Book Boost fund. Bill Maxwell began the discussion with the question "What do you want of us ?" (Library Board). Dave Timmons presented a memo (see attached). His goal is to evaluate alternatives and establish a long -term stable budget model for the library that will insure high quality • library services well into the future. The idea of annexation to the county district is not a new concept to explore. Dave looks forward to the library feasibility study and further discussion with all parties. But, the issue of annexation is not the only answer to a stable city library budget. The board needs to present an action plan based on his memo and to 0 evaluate ways to increase revenues and /or decrease expenditures; and decide if a Lid Lift tax, or some form of independent taxing entity is a serious consideration. A definite timeline is required for city budget planning by August 2001. Linnea suggested a five- year -plan mapping library revenue needs to be given to the city. Linnea asked about the proposed city classification and salaries study. Dave is meeting with a consultant, and is also studying employee benefit plans to bring non -union position benefits into line with benefits for union members. He discussed several factors that affect the long -term finances of the city. The city has huge budget needs ahead and limited resources, placing increased pressure on the community to choose between services. He explained about the limited tax base in Port Townsend. Approximately 50% of all properties are tax exempt. This includes school, Port, road rights -of -way and Federal land. The loss of $80,000 to the Tri Area land sale and anticipated city road and water projects requiring millions of dollars, in addition to monies owed the county in 2001, will make long -term budget planning a challenge. He has applied for grants from USDA and FEMA. 0 • is r 11 Linnea suggested a set of levies that would each support a city service, such as fire, streets and the library, giving voters the ability to decide on a level of taxes that would sustain city service at the level actually needed. Dave is willing to meet with the Library Board at any time. within the context of over all city revenue and facility needs. department heads in to discuss their programs. Meeting ended 10:30 am. Beth deJarnette He wants the board to work He suggested inviting other 0— rN o� City of Port Townsend ?OPT �� Office of the City Manager Waterman & Katz Building 181 Quincy Street, Suite 201, Port Townsend, WA 98368 co 360 - 379 -5047 FAX 360- 385.4290 MEMORANDUM TO: Linnea Patrick, Library Director Library Board rr FROM: David Timmons a� 379 -5043 RE: Funding of Library services DATE: May 3, 2001 I would like the Library Board's help on an item. On our agenda is the assessment of pros and cons of the concept of annexation and the long -term sustainability of quality library services. The two may not be dependent upon one another, hence, we need to evaluate the alternatives. The issue of annexation to the county district is not a new concept. It also is not the only answer. During the budget process, we discussed the nature of the problem we are facing as an organization. Long -term sustainability of funding of community services will be an increasing challenge. There are several factors that affect the long -term finances of the city. Port Townsend has always had a very active and supportive library patronage. However, the reality of competing demands for limited resources will place increasing pressure on the community to choose between these competing demands. My goal is to evaluate the alternatives and establish a goal to provide a long -term stable budget model for the library that will insure high quality library services well into the future. This will also require us to examine the trends and drivers of the expenditure side of the budget as well. The alternatives I see are: 01 0 4. 5. Do nothing Increase revenues a. Lid lift b. Form independentpistrict) T4k�,� C. Other alternatives Decrease expenditures a. Examine staffing b. Examine hours C. Examine purchasing d. Examine services Combination of 2 & 3 Joint venture /Annexation tt,«.c l b z e sq C o �j OeOT'I n s - State law limits the options and controls some of the choices we have, therefore our efforts must work within the confines of what is permissible and obtainable. Your evaluation will also require you to develop a better understanding of the city's overall budget outside of the library. I will be glad to coordinate this aspect for you. I hope this will give you a general sense of the guidance and counsel I seek from you. I will be glad to meet with you in the meantime to assist and answer questions you may have. In regards to a time line, I would like t a e,-Au ust 30, 2001; This will allow us to coordinate our ideas into the 2002 budget planning. •