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Council authorizes up to $47,000 from ACE fund to cover bookmobile purchase shortfall
Summary
After hearing public testimony about the bookmobile's role for schools and assisted-living residents, the council voted to cap the city contribution at $47,000 from ACE funds to make up the difference toward a replacement vehicle.
Sydney City Council members voted to authorize the city to cover up to $47,000 from the city's ACE fund to make up the shortfall on buying a replacement bookmobile.
The decision followed detailed staff comments about the condition of the current vehicle and multiple public comments urging the council to preserve the service. "The current bookmobile is over 30 years old, has 98,832 miles, has logged 3,555 hours," a city staff member reported, listing several recent repair bills, including one for $6,300 and another for $17,491.
The bookmobile provides scheduled stops across the county, serving students and older residents who told the council the vehicle is an essential link to library services. "Our students benefit greatly from the bookmobile," Chris Hart, superintendent of schools at Potter Dix, said during public comment. Andrea Harrod, administrator of Sloan Estates assisted living, said the bookmobile is "a big part of our activity schedule" and urged the council to consider residents' needs when deciding funding. Resident Diane Shader said, "It's very important to me that you keep that. I think it's a very good service that Sydney offers." Shirley Rogers, another Sloan Estates resident, told the council the service "would be beneficial for them to get a new bus." Terry Brostrom of SRMC Long Term Care said losing the service "would decrease significantly" the facility's ability to meet residents' needs.
Council discussion focused on funding sources and limits. Staff said the library and partners have been pursuing grants and fundraising; the council also discussed using ACE fund reserves to bridge the gap. A motion was made to "make up the difference up to $47,000" from ACE funds. The motion was seconded and carried.
Council members and staff said they will apply any incoming grant awards to reduce the ACE fund contribution; staff noted the Buckley Trust decision is expected next week. The council specified the funding cap to limit the city's exposure while preserving the bookmobile program.
The council did not adopt a specification for the replacement vehicle at the meeting; staff said they had investigated trailer-style units and tablet-based alternatives but reported concerns about safety, shelf wear and program changes that would require further discussion with county partners. Staff also said local vendors were not available to build a vehicle on short notice and that additional fundraising may reduce the final ACE fund draw.
Council action: motion to fund up to $47,000 from ACE funds to cover the shortfall for a replacement bookmobile; motion seconded and approved.
The library will proceed with procurement under the funding cap and return to the council as necessary if the cost or funding sources change.
