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County adopts principles for WCCLS service boundaries and funding allocation; centralized collections planned
Summary
The Board of Commissioners adopted principles for Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) service boundaries and a funding allocation methodology; the plan includes a move toward centralized collections and a funding formula that aims to raise each partner at least 5% compared with FY25–26 allocations.
Washington County commissioners on Oct. 7 adopted principles that will guide library service boundaries and the funding allocation methodology for the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) partner consideration.
What the board approved: County staff presented a methodology that applies population and other factors to allocate levy funding among nine city partners, three nonprofit library partners and county-run services. The board adopted guiding principles that, among other points, seek to ensure that each partner receives at least a 5% increase on its FY25–26 allocation in the proposed FY26–27 distribution (subject to revenue availability) and that the county maintain a three-month fund balance to manage cash flow and emergencies.
Centralized collections: Staff reiterated an earlier recommendation to centralize collections purchasing and processing as a long-term operational shift to increase cooperative efficiency. County presentations estimated local collections cost savings and noted partners may realize savings in material budgets and FTE as they redirect staff to other priorities. Staff said implementation would not begin until July 2027 to allow partners time to plan staffing transitions and operations.
Targeted outcomes and next steps: The proposal creates four service zones and a funding allocation table included in the staff packet; staff will bring the adopted principles to city and nonprofit partners for negotiation of intergovernmental agreements. Commissioners said the plan is the result of a long cooperative process with cities and nonprofits and stressed that the county will continue to listen and refine details as partners work through implementation.
Vote: The board approved the principles unanimously, 5–0. County staff will now present the cooperative recommendation, intergovernmental agreement language and implementation details to partner jurisdictions.
