DATE: September 14, 1999
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Santee Library Expansion

SUMMARY: Reference
In order to accommodate the need for space until a new library is built, the City of Santee is proposing an expansion of the current library size. The Santee library is located in 5850 square feet of leased space. The proposal would be to lease an additional 1650 square feet of adjacent space. The current lease continues until June of 2005 and the owner is willing to expand the leased space for an annual cost of $29,100. The City of Santee is committed to fully funding the expansion costs for fiscal year 99-00, but would like the County to assist with the costs in subsequent years.

This action would approve the expansion of the Santee library and agree to fund the costs after this fiscal year with the additional property tax revenue that will be allocated after the passage of AB 494.

Recommendation
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB
1) Approve the expansion of the Santee library by leasing an additional 1650 square feet.

2) Agree to fund the costs ($29,100) of the expanded space after fiscal year 99-00 with the additional property tax revenue that will be allocated after the passage of AB 494.

3) In the event that AB 494 is not passed by the State, direct the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board for further discussion on the expansion.

4) Authorize the Director of General Services to amend the existing lease contract for the additional 1650 square feet.

5) Authorized the Library Director to sign a revenue contract with the City of Santee.

6) Authorize the Auditor & Controller to establish an appropriation in the amount of $29,100 for the additional lease costs of the Santee library.

Fiscal Impact
Funding for fiscal year 99-00 will be offset with $29,100 in revenue from the City of Santee. In subsequent years, funding will come from the Santee library property tax allocation. In the event that AB 494 is not passed by the State, the CAO will return to the Board for further discussion on the expansion. Total annual costs for the expansion will be $29,100.

BACKGROUND
In order to accommodate the need for space until a new library is built, the City of Santee is proposing an expansion of the current library size. The Santee library is located in 5850 square feet of leased space. The proposal would be to lease an additional 1650 square feet of adjacent space. The current lease continues until June of 2005 and the owner is willing to expand the leased space for an annual cost of $29,100. The City of Santee is committed to fully funding the expansion costs for fiscal year 99-00, but would like the County to assist with the costs in subsequent years.

AB 494 will significantly increase the current property tax allocation for the Santee Library branch and easily fund for the increased lease costs associated with the expansion. In the event that AB 494 is not passed by the State, the CAO will come back to the Board for further discussion on the expansion.

The Board has the opportunity to enhance the library service to the citizens of Santee. Over this fiscal year and next fiscal year, the County Library system will see dramatic improvements in library service with new libraries in several communities and additional hours, books and librarians. By expanding the size of the Santee library, we will be continuing the commitment to enhance libraries and improve the quality of life in San Diego County. I urge your support for this proposal.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District