Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2018-03 and Resolution No. 2018-04:  A resolution of the Flagstaff City Council authorizing the City to formally join the Coconino County Free Library District; and a resolution of the Flagstaff City Council authorizing the City to re-enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Library District and other Northern Arizona communities.

The previous IGA between the Library District, the City, and other Northern Arizona communities governing the administration and funding of Branch and Affiliate Libraries of the Coconino County Free Library District was approved in July of 2014, with a term of two years. This revised IGA will again cover details regarding administration and funding of the libraries, with a term of five years. Joining the Library District allows the City to be a party to the revised IGA, with the resulting benefits to the City to include establishing cooperative agreements, base funding amounts, and well-defined roles for all the libraries within the Library District.

The IGA details funding sources and allocations to the City from the Library District tax.  Should the City choose not to join the IGA, the City would not receive these allocations, resulting in a greater financial cost to the City to maintain its libraries. Sharing in the costs associated with maintaining the Flagstaff libraries also allows the City and County to share in the benefits of a robust library system while easing the cost for both.  Flagstaff's role in the administration of the IGA also benefits other Northern Arizona communities while compensating the City for its time and resources. Based on the IGA, Flagstaff libraries will received a base amount of $2,224,272 annually as well as $100,000 to provide District oversight of Branch, Affiliate & Other Libraries.

This resolution supports the Council goal for Economic Development which is to grow and strengthen a more equitable and resilient economy. Libraries are the cornerstones of a democratic society and an educated community means a more resilient workforce and economy. Our libraries also assist several visitors from around the globe each year which helps us to encourage them to extend their stay and also increases our overall economic impact.

Yes; in July of 2014, Council approved a similar IGA for a term of two years.

Option 1: Approve both resolutions, joining the Library District and entering into the IGA for a term of five years 
Option 2: Approve both resolutions, with modifications to the terms of the IGA
Option 3: Not approve the resolutions, and the City will withdraw from its current relationship with the Library District

The last IGA between the County and the City regarding the administration and funding of Branch and Affiliate Libraries of the Coconino County Free Library District was approved July of 2014 and lasted for two years. This IGA was established as a way to collaborate our efforts as two governmental agencies to provide the best library services possible city and county-wide.

Authorization to join the Library District and approval of the IGA will enhance the services our libraries are able to provide and enhance the overall experience of our library patrons, while enabling the City and other communities to share resources.

The collaboration outlined in the IGA allows the City to offer the best library services possible for our patrons by offering a robust circulation of materials and resources for the communities in which we serve. We also have the opportunity to share or staff knowledge across all libraries and to continue to create programming that benefits all of northern Arizona.