REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Discuss Work Plan and Related Budget Cycle Timing
Report
BACKGROUND
The Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) developed an annual work plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27, which was approved by City Council on August 25, 2026 (Attachment 1). The work plan identifies BOLT priorities in their work to support the Santa Clara City Library.
DISCUSSION
The Board of Library Trustees will review and discuss the work plan, to include review of work in progress and planning for upcoming activities.
To support work plan activities, the Board has previously requested a high-level overview of the budget cycle as it affects their work. The City of Santa Clara has two separate biennial budgets: the Operating Budget, and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget. Operating and CIP Budgets alternate every other year. Each FY, the Library as well as all other city departments work together to develop the upcoming biennial budget. In FY 2025/26, Library contributed to the production of the Biennial FY 2026/27 and FY 2027/28 CIP Budgets. Currently, in FY 2026/27, the Library and other city departments will work to prepare the Biennial FY 2027/28 and FY 2028/29 Operating Budget for consideration by Council. This biennial process preserves opportunities to adjust the budget in the interim cycle where needed.
Library and other city departments will work with Finance to develop the FY 2027/28 and FY 2028/29 Operating Budget over the course of this year. The proposed budget is usually reviewed with City Council in study sessions during May and June. In prior years, BOLT has made use of their annual board and commission dinners with Council to advocate for targeted support of the Library. A date for BOLT dinner with Council has not yet been finalized, but is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
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.
COORDINATION
This report was prepared in coordination with the Finance department.
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
Provide feedback on workplan and authorize staff to make edits based on Trustees’ discussion
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian
ATTACHMENTS
1. Board of Library Trustees Workplan FY 2026-27