Ralph Andersen & Associates “Library Operations Study”

City Council
Regular Meeting
November 7, 2006

VII. Consent Calendar
E. Consideration of a Resolution entering into an agreement with Ralph Andersen & Associates for the preparation of a City Library operations study.


City Council
Special Meeting
November 29, 2006

John Goss, Senior Associate, Ralph Andersen & Associates, presented a power point presentation on the “Library Operations Study.” Highlights of his presentation, as follows:

LIBRARY BUDGET FY 2006/07
General Fund: $888,929
Restricted Budget (Library Board of Trustees): $368,290
Total Library Budget: $1,257,219

LIBRARY BUDGET COMPARISON WITH OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS
Police: $2,486,895
Fire $1,308,630 (excludes ambulance expense)
Library $1,257,219
Public Works: $960,205
Community/Cultural: $713,000

LIBRARY BUDGET COMPARISON WITH OTHER CITIES
Carmel is 3.6 times above National Average if General Fund was the only source of the Library Budget.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Given the city’s tight finances, expenses should be reduced, or revenues increased, to support library services.

2. A detailed analysis should be made of the additional $35,000 for library services.

3. Informally coordinate HML hours with Monterey and Pacific Grove/explore joint library cards at Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel.

4. Seek a volunteer coordinator.

5. Convert separate bank accounts into a City special revenue fund.

6. Review library fiscal procedures.

7. “Unrestricted” library revenues should be placed in the City’s General Fund.

8. Library funds should be budgeted to avoid loss of Public Library Act Funds.

9. The 1987 MOU should be reevaluated to determine if it should be updated.

10. “Library material acquisition” should be broadly defined to possibly enhance financial support from the Foundation.

11. Other models to define the relationship between the City and the Library should be examined.

12. Opportunities for joint library administration with another municipal library should be explored. Ex. Pacific Grove.

POLICY ISSUES
1. Are there ways to gain efficiencies, reduce costs or increase revenues in providing library services to the City of Carmel?

2. In that context, what is the appropriate amount of tax dollars that should be expended upon library programs, especially those programs serving a very limited number of local youths?

3. Should the City Council continue the existing level of General Fund support for the library, or even increase that support, when most of the library’s service measured by circulation is for non-residents? What is the answer to this question when Carmel’s low per registered borrower circulation, and high-circulated item expense, is factored in?

“It’s hoped this report presents the facts, ideas and recommendations and policy issues as you consider the future of your library.”
(John Goss, Senior Associate, Ralph Andersen & Associates, “Library Operations Study,” Special City Council Meeting, 29 November 2006.)