To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Library
Meeting Date: October 21, 2025
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Department Contact: |
Mellisa Hannum |
Phone: |
707-882-3114 |
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Department Contact: |
Barb Chapman |
Phone: |
707-367-8216 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Approval of Grant Application for U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in the Amount of $50,000 with Matching Library Capital Investment Funds of Approximately $550,000 to Fund Purchase of New Hybrid Freightliner Library Bookmobile to Serve Residents of Rural Mendocino County
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Approve grant application for U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in the amount of $50,000 with matching library capital investment funds of approximately $550,000 to fund purchase of new hybrid freightliner library Bookmobile to serve residents of rural Mendocino County.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The BOS regularly approves library grant applications.
Summary of Request:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program provides funding to assist in developing essential community facilities in rural areas. The estimated cost of a new Bookmobile is at least $600,000, and the grant would be $50,000, if awarded.
There are six County Library branches in our county of 3,878 square miles with many rural, tribal, and low-income areas taking 45 minutes to 1 hour to drive to the nearest library branch on our winding roads. In addition to providing library access to residents who have limited ability to travel to the library, the Bookmobile also brings library materials to rural schools and tribes which may not have their own libraries.
The Bookmobile has six main routes with stops 1) serving Navarro, Comptche, Philo, and Boonville; 2) serving from Manchester to Gualala; 3) serving Hopland, Redwood Valley, Potter Valley; 4) serving Laytonville, Leggett and Piercy; 5) serving south of Fort Bragg, Caspar, and Mendocino; and 6) serving Westport, Albion, and Elk. The Bookmobile also regularly visits schools, nursing homes, senior centers, and special events. The Bookmobile and its staff provide a beloved service for County residents who don’t live near local library branches.
Measure O provides most of the funds needed to purchase the Bookmobile with potential supplementation by this grant. The same USDA grant helped to purchase the current Bookmobile thirteen years ago. Public surveys and meetings were held recently to allow for public preferences on specifications for the replacement bookmobile. After submission of the USDA application, another public meeting will be required.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not approve and provide alternate direction.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: An Effective County Government
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://www.mendolibrary.org/visit/bookmobile>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: BU 1715 - Capital Investments - Library, and Grant |
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current f/y cost: $600,000 |
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budget clarification: Budgeted $650,000 for additional costs |
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annual recurring cost: $20,000 in fuel costs and maintenance |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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