Response from Board of Supervisors

R1

Recommendation: The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury recommends that a more stable source of funding be found for the Stanislaus County Library. A concerted effort needs to be undertaken to explore additional revenue streams to augment the SCL budget. Consideration and Approval of Response to the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury Regarding the Stanislaus County Library Report Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding and recommendation that additional revenue sources should be explored to support current services and provide for future growth and innovation to meet community needs. In California, 24 counties imposed a separate property tax for libraries before Proposiion 13 (1978). This property tax rate is still in place and generates revenue that is dedicated to the library services for these 24 counties. Of the 21 counties with a population over 200,000 and which operate a library service, Stanislaus County is one of four without this type of dedicated property tax revenue source, therefore causing a reliance on the 1/8 cent tax. Dedicating a more stable source of revenue, such as the County’s discretionary revenue, is not feasible at this time as it would come at the cost of reduced public safety and general county services. To facilitate long term strategic planning, the County in November 2017 will submit to the electorate a proposed extension to the 1/8 cent transaction and use tax of 12 years. Regarding the estimated cuts to service; of the remaining 15% of funding apart from sales tax funding, most does not fund general library services. For example, the majority of this 15% represents funding for Adult Literacy services provided by Learning Quest.

R2

Recommendation: The SCCGJ recommends that the Stanislaus County Library Administration continue to pursue all appropriate avenues to provide discarded materials to public and non-profit agencies. The current disposal protocol of these materials appears to be a waste of resources that could be utilized elsewhere in the community. Response: The Board of Supervisors partially disagrees with the finding and would like to clarify the procedure for handling discarded materials. The Library generates revenue by conducting a used book sale of discarded materials at each of the thirteen library sites. In the 2016-17 Fiscal Year, the Library generated $16,457 from the sale of discarded materials. The majority of materials ultimately recycled is in poor condition and deemed to be of no use. The Board of Supervisors will direct the Library to evaluate the potential for reuse and distribution to a suitable agency when handling discarded materials.

R3

Recommendation: The SCCGJ recommends that the SCL continue to budget for additional up-to-date technology in order to meet the evolving needs of library patrons. Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding and recommende.“en. The Board of Supervisors will direct the Library to continue to strategically plan and budget for innovative technologies and to remain a valued source of free computers and internet access.

R4

Recommendation: The SCCGJ recommends that the SCL continue to explore all means and methods to increase the number of skilled library volunteers to assist with more complicated library tasks. Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding and recommendation. Over the past year, 257 volunteers have contributed approximately 6,691 hours in service to the Library. The Library relies on this generous gift of time and talent to extend the capacity of paid Library staff, and plans are to expand volunteer opportunities to better match the unique skills of our volunteers. POLICY ISSUE: The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury studies and investigates citizen complaints and the recommendation at the end of each fiscal year. Agencies or departments, which are the subjects of these investigations, are required to respond to the findings and recommendations included in the final report. Penal Code Section 933 stipulates that “the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body” no later than 90 days after the report is published. The formal responses must comply with Penal Code Section 933.05 and clearly indicate the respondent's agreement or disagreement with the