City subcommittee proposes a hearing on County withdrawal

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September 18, 2002
Honorable Mayor and Members of
the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of
September 24, 2002
LIBRARY SUBCOMMITTEE PROPOSAL TO WITHDRAW
FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM AND TO SET A
PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW THE RESIDENTS AND USERS OF THE
LIBRARY TO PROVIDE INPUT TO THE
CITY COUNCIL PRIOR TO GIVING THE REQUIRED NOTICE TO THE
LIBRARY SYSTEM
Recommendation:
That the City Council consider the subcommittee recommendation and determine
whether or not to schedule a public hearing for the October 22, 2002 meeting.
Background:
The Library Subcommittee has been meeting over the last several months considering the
future of library services in Hermosa Beach. The subcommittee has been assisted by the
Friends of Library including Charlotte Malone, Bill Malone, Al Valdez, Tonie
Empringham, Cathy McCurdy and Sheri Petresky. In addition, Lee Ireland of Library
Systems and Services provided a discussion proposal on the cost of operating the library
under a contract.
The City has been dealing with the issue of leaving the L.A. County library system for a
number of years. The interest in leaving the system has continued over the years because
of the constant concern that the level of service and operating hours always seem to be
subject to budget cuts. The hours for the library were reduced to 14 hours per week in
1993 as a result of the state budget cuts and the shift of property tax revenues from local
government to fund schools. The hours were eventually set at the current 35 hours per
week that the Hermosa Beach branch now operates. Cuts in operational hours for all
-branch libraries was considered again this year but were not reduced as the county was
able to provide funding by cutting all material and supply budgets. The subcommittee
has concluded that the City should consider withdrawing from the library system so that
we can offer a consistent, high level of service to Hermosa Beach residents that meets the
needs of the city. It is the subcommittee's opinion that a City operated library would be
able to provide the same or a better level of service than we presently receive now
through the L.A. County system. This could be done within the current property tax
allocation now received by the county. The City would receive an estimated $530,000
per year to operate the library. The subcommittee received a proposal from Library
Systems and Services for discussion purposes and estimated an operating cost for the
library at between $430,000 and $460,000 depending on the hours open to public and the
amount set for new materials. This would be within the property tax revenue that the

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City would receive. A more detailed budget along with options of contracting with
nearby cities could also be explored if the City Council wishes to proceed with the
discussion and consideration of leaving the county system. There would be some start
up costs that are not included in the estimated amount and again these would be the
subject of further study and review.
The process to withdraw from the system requires that the City provide notice to the
county by December 2'd for a withdrawal to be effective on July 1, 2003. The City
Council would have to adopt an ordinance to set up a library board that would function as
an advisory body to the City Council. The subcommittee has suggested that the City
Council set a date for a public hearing to allow the community to be made aware of their
recommendation and receive input from community on it.
The subcommittee is confident that a City-operated library would provide our residents
with a higher level of service that would better meets their needs. It would also provide
an opportunity for greater participation by the community in adding services or facilities
knowing that they would be kept in the city.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen R. Burrell)
City Manager