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Accept the annual report from the Measure L Library Sales Tax Measure Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee on the use of library sales tax funds for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board accept a report from the Measure L Library Sales Tax Measure Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee on the use of library sales tax funds for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
SUMMARY:
As stipulated in Article XIV, section 11-314 of Solano County Code, the Board of Supervisors shall appoint 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 shall review and report 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), monitor and audit the use of the library sales tax funds and prepare an annual report on the expenditures of the Board of Supervisors and the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the County General Fund.
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 citizen’s 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, 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 three library jurisdictions within Solano County and include the County Library, which provides library services in five of the seven cities within the county, the Benicia Public Library and the Dixon Public Library.
The Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (Committee) appointed by the Board of Supervisors met on September 21, 2020 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 three library jurisdictions submitted Measure L expenditure plans (Attachment A) for the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. The Committee reviewed the documentation presented by the Solano County Library Director of Library Services, Benicia Public Library Director and the Solano County Library Director on behalf of the Dixon Public Library at the meeting. After discussion and questions, the Committee is recommending that the Board of Supervisors accept the expenditure plan reports (Attachment A) for Solano County Library, Benicia Public Library and Dixon Public Library. The minutes of the September 21, 2020 meeting (Attachment B) are also 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