COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE - R. ESPINOSA

Continued Public Hearing from the April 12, 2016 meeting on the implementation of a Library Facilities Development Impact Fee; adopt resolution approving the Library Facilities Impact Fee Study and imposing the fee; introduce Ordinance establishing the Library Facilities Development Impact Fee and amending Title 5 of the San Benito County Code; waive full reading of the ordinance, accept introduction, and continue to May 10,  2016 for adoption.

Environmental Determination: Categorically Exempt

SBC FILE NUMBER: 80

RESOLUTION NO. 2016-27

The attached Library Facilities Impact Fee Study (Study) presents an analysis of the cost of library facilities, at the existing level of service, to accommodate new development in the unincorporated area of San Benito County. The report also provides the nexus and all other required information as per Government Code Sections 66000-66025 (the "Mitigation Fee Act"), for a Library Facilities Impact Fee in the unincorporated area of the County of San Benito. 

If this study is approved and a fee implemented, new residential development within the unincorporated area would be subject to the proposed Library Fees at a rate of $511 per single family and $465 per multi-family home.  The collection of fees, if implemented, could amount to an estimate of approximately $3.9 million in fee revenues by 2035 based on population estimates from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments 2014 Regional Forceast. 

The use of the fees will be determined by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors with recommendations presented by the County Administrative Officer, and collaboration with stakeholders including but not limited to the City of Hollister and San Juan Bautista, and local school districts. Library fees generated from the fee program are to be used to fund land acquisition, building construction, book collection, furnishings and computer equipment for the planned, library construction and/or expansion and relocation of the existing library. Periodic updates to the fee program are also funded through the fees. 

Since the methodology being used is the existing standard, there is no required dedication of non-impact fee funding by the County at the 2035 planning horizon, so there is no impact to the County's General Fund at this time. However, if the Board decides to change the methodology to system standard, and, regardless of the fee methodology other non-impact revenues will be required prior to facilities being built since the collection of these fees at this rate will only provide a funding for space sufficient for new residents. (Refer to Table 8 in the Study).

Future potential funding sources include County general funds, statewide library construction bonds, federal funds, general obligation bonds, benefit assessments and/or parcel taxes, Certificates of participation, and other local agency partnerships.

County staff looks forward to returning to the Board for direction on updating the fee program based on future partnerships with neighboring agencies, like the City of Hollister and school school districts.

After staff has read the title of the ordinance for the record: "An Ordinance Adding Article XIV to Chapter 5.01 of Title 5 of the San Benito County Pertaining to Library Facility Impact Fees", it is recommended that the San Benito County Board of Supervisors:

1) Recognize the exempt status of the project pursuant to Section 15273 of the California environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines; and 

2) Adopt Resolution No. _____, approving the Library Facilities Impact Fee Study and imposing a Library Facility Development Impact Fee within the unincorporated area of San Benito County; and 

3) Accept introduction and waive further reading of the ordinance and continue the matter to May 10, 2016 for adoption of the ordinance.