June 20, 2007

The Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee supports the Library Preservation Fund Bond concept in principle. Additional funding is necessary if the library is to complete its branch modernization project. However, fiscal safeguards, clarifying language and provision for oversight should be included in the initiative

1. The Library Preservation Fund Renewal initiative should be open, transparent and accountable:

1. It should be clear that approval of the initiative will permit San Francisco Public Library to issue revenue bonds and other debt backed by the revenue stream generated by the library set-aside, known as the Library Preservation Fund. This should be stated in the title and body of the initiative.
2. It should be clear that the new set-aside can be spent on any library purpose, including upgrades to the main library. (The existing set-aside gives priority to purchase of books and audio-visual materials and to additional open hours in the branches.)
3. Change Section (e)2 so that the Mayor and Board of Supervisors continue to be able to direct the spending of library funds for library services and operations.

2. In order to prevent dilution of library services, SFPL should put a cap on the amount of operating money spent to pay for the bonds annually.

In order that capital needs do not deplete operating funds, we recommend the inclusion of a yearly spending limit on debt service.

3. SFPL should include a provision for fiscal and performance oversight.

1. Fiscal and performance oversight mechanisms should be mentioned in the legislation.
2. We recommend that oversight provisions include writing the Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee into the initiative and specifying staff and resource support for the Library CAC in the initiative.