To: Board of Supervisors
From: Alison McKee, County Librarian
Report Title: Resolution to change the San Ramon Library hours and cancel two Library Positions
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution to cancel one Library Assistant-Journey Level position and one Librarian II position in the Library Department and modify the schedule of Contra Costa County Library branch operating hours to effect a reduction beginning August 1, 2024 in the San Ramon Library branch open hours from 56 hours per week to 46 hours per week (as listed in Attachment A), due to reduced city funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no net fiscal impact to the Library Fund since San Ramon Library open hours and staffing will be reduced commensurate with the reduction to City funding.
BACKGROUND:
On September 20, 2022, the Board authorized the Contra Costa County Library to change its base funded operating hours from 35 hours to 40 hours per week. This action allowed the Library to standardize open hours across its branches, which provided consistent open hours for the public. Additionally, city governments may fund additional hours beyond the base, with options for 46-hour, 52-hour, or 56-hour schedules.
The City of San Ramon had been funding sixteen (16) additional hours for the San Ramon Library branch to permit a 56-hour schedule at that location. On June 25, 2024, the San Ramon City Council voted to reduce the number of extra hours it would fund from sixteen (16) to six (6) due to a budget shortfall in Fiscal Year 2024-25. This funding change is set to take effect August 1, 2024, which requires the Library to reduce the hours by that date.
As a result of the decrease in funding, it is also necessary to eliminate two positions, one vacant Library Assistant - Journey Level, position 6239, and one Librarian II, position 11672. The incumbent of position 11672 has voluntarily accepted a reassignment at the Concord Library. Consequently, the necessary cancelation of positions will not result in layoffs or other involuntary displacement. Further, staff schedules will need to be changed to reflect the new open hours.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the Board not approve the reduced schedule of open hours and cancelation of two positions, the County would be obligated to subsidize 10 additional open hours at the San Ramon Library, a departure from existing policy. If this action is not approved, the Library fund will be negatively impacted by staffing expenses and funding open hours that are not within the Library’s budget.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
IN THE MATTER OF MODIFYING THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE LIBRARY
WHEREAS, on September 30, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 2022/270, authorizing a change in open hours for the Library that deviated from the standard operating hours (8am-1 noon; 1pm-5pm) set under County Ordinance No. 22-2.202; and
WHEREAS, the Library wishes to continue its practice of offering hours beyond what is prescribed in County Ordinance No. 22-2.202 to better accommodate the needs of the public; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa cities hosting County library branches have the option to fund up to 16 open hours above the 40 open hour schedule funded by the County Library; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Ramon has notified the County that it will reduce funding for additional hours for the San Ramon Library from 56 hours to 46 hours per week;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT effective August 1, 2024:
1. The following positions are hereby canceled:
a) Library Assistant-Journey Level #6239
b) Librarian II #11672
2. Contra Costa County Library Hours and Information are hereby modified and approved as shown in Attachment A; and
3. This resolution supersedes and replaces Resolution No. 2022/270, which was adopted by the Board on September 20, 2022.