REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Receive Informational Report on Library Budget, and Possible Action to Advocate for Library Budget Priorities
Report
BACKGROUND
The Board of Library Trustees has expressed interest in receiving informational reports on the Library budget, in order to better understand and advocate for Library needs. Staff were requested to provide a review of the upcoming proposed annual budget, as it pertains to the Library.
DISCUSSION
The Library department, as part of the City of Santa Clara, operates on a 2-year, biennial budget cycle that alternates between operating and capital budgets. Last year, in FY 2024-25, the Operating Budget was approved for FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27. This year, in FY 2025-26, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget is being prepared for the next two years, FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Minor, necessary updates to the operating budget are included in this year’s CIP budget.
The proposed biennial CIP Budget is scheduled to be published on May 1, 2026. Due to the proximity of this to the May 4, 2026 Board of Library Trustees meeting, a summary of Library-related information from the proposed budget will be prepared upon publication and reviewed with the Board at the May 4, 2026 regular meeting, to allow the Board time to review prior to Council’s budget study sessions. This timing will allow the Board opportunity to advocate any priorities to Council, if they so wish. The summary of the proposed budget highlighting Library information will be added to the agenda packet as an attachment following the budget’s publication.
The Library would also like to share an update with the Board on Measure I funding and project status for approved Library 1st Tranche Projects. Library has four projects currently approved for the 1st Tranche of Measure I. These projects, their approved budgets and brief status updates are provided below:
|
Library Measure I Approved Projects - 1st Tranche - FY 2025-26 |
|
Project |
Cost |
Status |
|
Central Library Restrooms Remodeling and Access Control Redesign |
$250,000 |
A Statement of Qualifications was released in March 2026 to identify vendors able to provide design professional services including schematic designs, detailed design plans, and construction support for multiple Library construction projects, including renovations of the public restrooms at Central Park Library. Multiple proposals have been received, and a team of evaluators is being finalized for review of the proposals. |
|
Central, Mission and Northside Library Study and Design |
$1,200,000 |
The same Statement of Qualifications described above is being used to identify vendors to provide design professional services including schematic designs, detailed design plans, and construction support for renovations recommended in the Library Facilities Master Plan. When completed, design plans will be reviewed and coordinated with City Council and the City Manager’s Office prior to initiating renovations or construction. |
|
Central Library Lighting Control System Replacement |
$250,000 |
The technical requirements and specifications for a replacement lighting control system, including hardware and software, are drafted and in review with IT, Public Works, and Library. |
|
Central and Mission Library Entry Auto Door System Replacement |
$200,000 |
Library has received quotes for the repairs and replacements needed to maintain the main automatic entry doors at Central Park and Mission Branch Libraries. These are currently in review. |
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the informational report.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with Finance.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and file informational report on Library Budget, and take possible action to advocate for Library budget priorities
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Biennial FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 Capital Improvement Program Budget - Library