Very cool to hear about Occidental's library expansion. That is great! This seems so simple and smooth compared to the situation in Sebastopol. Is it because Occidental is in the County and the County owns the Community Center? Occidental is part of unincorporated Sonoma County so there is no City administration involved. It also seems that if the library location is within the County, then the Library can fund the renovation of the building. I'm not sure if I'm correct on this and what the actual financial and legal framework is. I'm just struck at how simple and smooth this all seems and that the Library, as a financial entity, is able to cover the costs of the renovation. Is it easier for the Library, as an entity, to function outside of City Limits?
The Joint Powers Agreement (https://www.sonomalibrary.org/sites/default/files/attachments/about/Current-JPA.pdf) establishes the respective responsibilities of the Library and its member jurisdictions: the cities and County provide the library buildings, while Sonoma County Library provides the staffing, materials, resources, and services. With the exception of the History & Genealogy Library, which was gifted to the Library many years ago, Sonoma County Library does not own any of its branch facilities. The Library is responsible for staffing and operating its branches, as well as providing furniture, fixtures, equipment, and interior renovations. We have leases with each of our jurisdictions that further define the respective responsibilities of the Library and the property owner. Kate, you are always welcome to reach out to me directly at director@sonomalibrary.org if you have any additional questions.
Thank you so much for your clear explanation. In the case of Occidental, it looks like the County owned that building and was able to re-purpose it for the library.
I appreciate all your time and work on behalf of our community. Thank you!
Occidental showing the power of an unincorporated town, getting things done, looking beautiful and drawing dollars, revenue and joy, via financial prudence and smarts. Sebastopol, take note as Chapter 9 crawls towards us.
great article - you captured the essence of Occidental so well.
Very cool to hear about Occidental's library expansion. That is great! This seems so simple and smooth compared to the situation in Sebastopol. Is it because Occidental is in the County and the County owns the Community Center? Occidental is part of unincorporated Sonoma County so there is no City administration involved. It also seems that if the library location is within the County, then the Library can fund the renovation of the building. I'm not sure if I'm correct on this and what the actual financial and legal framework is. I'm just struck at how simple and smooth this all seems and that the Library, as a financial entity, is able to cover the costs of the renovation. Is it easier for the Library, as an entity, to function outside of City Limits?
The Joint Powers Agreement (https://www.sonomalibrary.org/sites/default/files/attachments/about/Current-JPA.pdf) establishes the respective responsibilities of the Library and its member jurisdictions: the cities and County provide the library buildings, while Sonoma County Library provides the staffing, materials, resources, and services. With the exception of the History & Genealogy Library, which was gifted to the Library many years ago, Sonoma County Library does not own any of its branch facilities. The Library is responsible for staffing and operating its branches, as well as providing furniture, fixtures, equipment, and interior renovations. We have leases with each of our jurisdictions that further define the respective responsibilities of the Library and the property owner. Kate, you are always welcome to reach out to me directly at director@sonomalibrary.org if you have any additional questions.
Erika,
Thank you so much for your clear explanation. In the case of Occidental, it looks like the County owned that building and was able to re-purpose it for the library.
I appreciate all your time and work on behalf of our community. Thank you!
That is correct! We are very excited to work with the County to expand library services in Occidental.
Thanks for highlighting some of the wonderfully special places in Occidental!
Occidental showing the power of an unincorporated town, getting things done, looking beautiful and drawing dollars, revenue and joy, via financial prudence and smarts. Sebastopol, take note as Chapter 9 crawls towards us.