May 21, 2008

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee passed the following resolution at its May 21, 2008, meeting:

Whereas, there has been some confusion about which entity has final authority over San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) fines and fees; and

Whereas, there has been concern that a Library Commission amendment to the ordinance outlining SFPL's new fines and fees schedule might remove the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' (BOS) current authority over library fines and fees; and

Whereas, the deputy city librarian has stated that removal of BOS authority over SFPL fines and fees is neither an intended or unintended corollary to the new fines and fees schedule; and

Whereas, the city librarian has stated that he intends to remove a clause in the SFPL fines and fees ordinance that could remove BOS authority over such charges; and

Whereas, the San Francisco controller's budget and revenue manager has stated that for fines and fees to change, it is necessary to amend the Administrative Code with legislation approved by the Library Commission and then the Board of Supervisors;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Library Citizens Advisory Committee supports retention of the existing system, as stated in Section 2.1.09 of the San Francisco Charter, which reserves final authority over SFPL fines and fees to the Board of Supervisors.