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F_ DISCUSSION RE COUNTY -WIDE LIBRARY SYSTEM BOOK 64 PvF 33 Commissioner Lyons reviewed the following memo: TO: Board o ounty Commissioners FROM: Commi 'oner Patrick B. Lyons DATE: April 28, 1986 SUBJECT: County -wide Library System Library patrons and the library employees are acutely aware of the shortage of library space and parking, along with the limited collection. Because of space limitations, we are not in a position to effectively expand the libraries in both Vero Beach and Sebastian. Consequently, in order to meet these needs, we must move in order to expand both libraries. This should be done with a minimum of delay. At the same time, we have an opportunity to provide facilities which can be used for the next 20 to 30 years, or more. According to what I have heard from the Finance Committee, it may be possible to finance the library expansion without increasing the mi_1_1-7e we now pay on tY �F! r -.; h Bonds. If that is so, we might be ably - -1 capital requirements, $8.2 million, as outlined _,asultant, without an increase in taxes for that purpose. The money would provide for two things: catching up with our library shortcomings in the next five years, and financing a construction program giving -us library space for many years to come. Long-term bonds would have another advantage; they would allow the people who come after us to participate in this expansion program. As you are aware, the actions of Congress in connection with the tax-free bonds make it most desirable to float a bond issue between now and September 2, 1986. It is possible that the cost of borrowing money will not be any lower for a long time --if ever. It will not be possible to prepare a bond issue before the deadline if we wait for. the results of the proposed library referendum in September. Consequently, I am requesting the Commission to approve proceeding with the processing of the bond issue so that we will be in a position to act when a referendum is passed approving the bond issue. The Boards of. both the Vero Beach and Sebastian libraries have indicated as desire to become..a part of the new County library system whether or not the bond referendum passes on the 2nd of September. At the beginning of the new budget year, the library employees would become County employees.and any library property would become County property. Since these steps will require -coordination and time, I would like to see us get started right away, and would appreciate your approval of this step. These problems, and the problems of continued planning for the expanded library system, point out the need for the Coordinating Librarian recommended by the consultant. In the light of the number of tasks that should be accomplished between. now and September 2, 1986, I am asking the Commission to approve advertising for the Coordinating Librarian at this time. On the offchance that the job can be filled before the beginning of the next fiscal year, the funding would come from reserves for contingencies. I will make the three requests outlined above at the next meeting of the Commission. 48 _I