HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD-2021-028 Fine Free Initiative for Orange County Library Services and Approval of Budget Amendment #4a 1
ORD-2021-028
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 16, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-g
SUBJECT: Fine Free Initiative for Orange County Library Services and Approval of Budget
Amendment #4-A
DEPARTMENT: Library Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Erin Sapienza, Interim Library Director,
919-245-2529
Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager,
919-245-2306
Gary Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer,
919-245-2453
PURPOSE: To approve the elimination of late fines for Orange County library patrons, including
the immediate elimination of all late fines and forgiveness of all existing fines, and approve Budget
Amendment #4-A.
BACKGROUND: Library fines have been a mechanism to ensure timely return of materials.
However, for those who cannot afford to pay fines, late fines have a disproportionately negative
impact. The library wants to ensure that all residents have equal access to service and seeks to
eliminate this barrier for those who face economic challenges.
Staff proposes that the Board approve forgiveness of all existing late fines and the elimination of
all late fines moving forward. The Library Services Department would continue to assess fees for
damaged or lost material.
Elimination of late fines for library patrons, including the immediate elimination of all late fines and
forgiveness of all existing fines, would result in a reduction of revenue totaling $19,850 annually,
which is proposed to be replaced with an appropriation of General Fund fund balance to ensure
there are no service level impacts.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The FY 2021-22 revenue loss of $19,850 will be offset by approval of
Budget Amendment #4-A, a fund balance transfer of $19,850, resulting in no impact on the
General Fund operating budget.
The Year-To-Date General Fund Balance appropriation will total $1,396,548 after this budget
amendment.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is associated with
this item.
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the elimination of
late fines for Orange County library patrons, including the immediate elimination of all late fines
and forgiveness of all existing fines, and approve Budget Amendment#4-A appropriating $19,850
in General Fund fund balance to replace lost revenue related to elimination of these fines.