title
Accept the annual report from the Measure L Library Sales Tax Measure Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee on the use of library sales tax funds for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Library Services recommends the Board of Supervisors accept a report from the Measure L Library Sales Tax Measure Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee on the use of library sales tax funds for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
SUMMARY:
As stipulated in Article XIV, section 11-314 of Solano County Code, the Board of Supervisors has appointed a seven member citizens’ oversight committee with one member appointed from each of the seven cities within the county’s public library systems. The committee reviews and reports on the public libraries’ administration of and compliance with the expenditure plan and the terms of Measure L (passed by the voters on June 5, 2012), monitors and audits the use of the library sales tax funds, and prepares an annual report on the expenditures for the Board of Supervisors and the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs related to preparing the agenda item are minimal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
A ballot measure to extend the one-eighth cent sales tax to benefit libraries within Solano County, listed on the ballot as Measure L, passed overwhelmingly on June 5, 2012. The approval of Measure L allowed the pre-existing sales tax of one-eighth-of-a-cent to continue to support the operations of the public libraries throughout the county. Measure L extended the sales tax for 16 more years, commencing October 1, 2014. Measure L included the establishment of a seven-member independent citizens’ oversight committee to ensure that the funds are only spent on library operations, programs, and acquisitions in the county public library systems. The committee, representing each of the seven cities within the county’s public library systems, is to monitor and audit the use of funds and prepare an annual report on the expenditures of the Board of Supervisors and the community. There are two library jurisdictions within Solano County and include the County Library, which provides library services in six of the seven cities within the county, and the Benicia Public Library.
The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (Committee) appointed by the Board of Supervisors met on September 18, 2023 to review the public libraries’ administration of and compliance with the expenditure plan outlined in Article XIV, Solano County Public Library Transactions and Use Tax (Measure L Sales Tax for public library jurisdictions within Solano County). Each of the two library jurisdictions submitted Measure L expenditure plans (Attachment A) for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The Committee reviewed the documentation presented by the Solano County Library Director of Library Services and the Benicia Public Library Director. After discussion, the Committee recommends that the Board of Supervisors accept the expenditure plan report for Solano County Library and Benicia Public Library. The draft minutes of the September 19, 2023 meeting (Attachment B) also are attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to accept this report; however, this is not recommended because the Oversight Committee has reviewed the public libraries’ administration of and compliance with the expenditure plan outlined in County Code.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
There is no other agency involvement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION