Subject:
Title
Palm Harbor Library Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Services Taxing Unit special projects funding request for library shelving.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special projects funding request made by the Palm Harbor Library for the installation of one full range (four individual units) of movable, high capacity, library book shelving.
• The Palm Harbor Library facility is 37 years old - most of the shelving is original to the building.
• These grants funds will allow for the second replacement of one full row/range of shelving in the largest central space of the library. Ultimately, a total of four shelving ranges will be replaced to achieve optimal space and flexibility for public use in the Palm Harbor Library.
• The height of the existing shelving will be reduced by 28%, and the full width will be reduced by 13%, thereby increasing site lines which improves accessibility and provides a sense of safety and security for patrons and staff.
• The new shelving unit is on casters which provides flexibility by being able to move the unit(s) to make way for new activities, events, exhibits, and projects.
• The funding request for this project is in the amount of $20,000.00. Cost for the project is $33,338.06 as quoted by State contracted vendor Office Worx, Inc. (see attached quote). Use of a state contracted vendor eliminates the need for additional quotes.
• The balance of $13,338.06 will be paid by the library through its Operating and/or Capital Funds.
• Funding for this project is included in the current-year General Government Budget in the General Fund. With approval of this special project for $20,000.00, a total of $116,733.94 will remain available for Board approved MSTU projects.
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Strategic Priorities:
This project aligns with the Pinellas County strategic plan in several ways.
The Vision: “To Be the Standard for Public Service in America” will be realized with up-to-date furniture that improves accessibility, flexibility, and security.
The Mission to “Meeting the needs and concerns of the community today and tomorrow” will be met by installing fixtures that can be moved to make way for new activities, events, and projects.
Healthy and Safe Communities:
2.2 Enhance community safety: The additional floor space and sightlines will increase safety.
Prosperity and Opportunity:
3.4 Enhance educational and cultural opportunities
Smart Service Delivery:
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement: Improved accessibility is essential to the library’s brand of public service.
Summary:
Summary
Palm Harbor Library mission is to be the definitive educational and cultural destination for all members of the Palm Harbor community. It offers a safe and secure environment and serves as a neutral venue while providing easy access to information. Annually library engagement has grown to nearly 150,000 onsite visits and steadily increasing program attendance.
In FY25, the library is requesting MSTU funding to replace four shelving ranges (one full row) that occupy the largest central space in the Palm Harbor Library. This is the second of four original rows that will ultimately be replaced to achieve a more optimal space for the public. The original shelving units stand at an imposing height and are in contrast to the open, friendly atmosphere that library patrons and members have come to expect and appreciate. Last year (with MSTU support) the library replaced the first row in the center of the Palm Harbor Library. This request will allow for one of the three remaining shelving ranges to be replaced in order to achieve a more optimal space for the public.
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Background Information:
Palm Harbor Community Services Agency (PHCSA) is a special taxing district in unincorporated Pinellas County. PHCSA’s purpose is to provide library and recreational facilities, programs and services to the residents of Palm Harbor through its four partnering agencies; Palm Harbor Library, Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation, East Lake Community Library and East Lake Recreation. Services are funded by an ad valorem tax. Property owners within the district are levied a separate millage for this purpose. The mission of PHCSA is to "develop, provide and promote educational and recreational activities that support and improve the quality of life for all residents of the greater Palm Harbor area." The Palm Harbor Library is an essential part of the community, acting as an anchor for learning, promotion of the arts and meeting the evolving needs of the greater Palm Harbor area.
Fiscal Impact:
The request for funding in the amount of $20,000 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds. The cost for the entire project is $33,338.06 and is based on state contract pricing. The balance of $13,338.06 will be paid by the library through its Operating and/or Capital Funds. Funding is appropriated and available in the FY25 Adopted Budget and will be awarded through reimbursement.
Staff Member Responsible:
Nancy McKibben, Assistant to the County Administrator Representing Unincorporated North County
Partners:
Palm Harbor Community Service Agency
Attachments:
Palm Harbor Library FY25 MSTU Special Projects Funding Application
PHL_Estimate_Shelving_2025 (based on State contract pricing)