ORD-2021-028 Fine Free Initiative for Orange County Library Services and Approval of Budget Amendment #4a

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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.