Malibu Agrees to Withdraw from Public
Library System
Municipal officials decided this week to
continue the process of withdrawing from the Los
Angeles County public library system.
By unanimous vote, the Malibu City Council
agreed to adopt a resolution authorizing the city’s
withdrawal from the library, effective July 1, 2009. Some
council members agreed to do so only when language was included
for talks to continue with county officials.
Council members were informed that the
value of the library building and associated parking is
preliminarily estimated to be about $6 million. The estimate of
the one-time capital expenditures, including new collections,
automation systems and renovations to the facility, is
approximately $3 million. In order to separate from the county,
the city will need $9 million for the capital expenditures.
Ongoing revenue for the library is about $2 million per year.
Projected operating expenses for the library are approximately
$1 million annually. Over the past four years, according to
Administrative Services Director Reva Feldman, the county has
set aside $2.6 million for potential building and library
service improvements, though it is expected the funds will
revert to the county upon separation by the city.
“We should keep the negotiations
open. We should not preclude all conversation. As we pass this
we should continue to talk,” said Councilmember Sharon
Barovsky.
Mayor Jeff Jennings, who said he would not
be around for further action on the matter, said he thought
there were benefits in remaining with the county, such as
borrowing material from other county branches.
Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich said she
agreed with Barovsky and saw no reason to cut off talks.
“We may even have the county run the library,” she
added.
The discussions between county and city
officials have primarily focused on a memo of understanding
that was intended to reach an agreement on library renovations
and continued service by the county.
The staff recommendation had sought to
suspend those negotiations, but the council did not concur.
Besides continuing those negotiations, the
council directed the staff to begin dialogue with the library
officials regarding purchase of the library building, parking
area and contents and to prepare a financing plan for the
purchase and operation of the library.
