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Richfield library board explores lease, grants and fundraising to move into new building
Summary
At its Jan. 17 meeting the Richfield Public Library Board discussed options to lease or buy a building across the street, research community development block grants and launch fundraising to cover operating costs and build-out.
The Richfield Public Library Board on Jan. 17 discussed pursuing a lease or purchase of a building across the street and began outlining possible funding routes including a community development block grant application, private fundraising and a staggered lease-to-buy arrangement.
The discussion centered on how the library would cover build-out and operating costs if it relocates. Director Tiffany Anderson said staff is talking with local landlords and that realtor Rich (surname not specified in the transcript) has offered to work with the library on lease terms. Board members discussed a possible staggered lease that starts at a lower rent and includes an option to buy in the future.
Board members stressed the need to identify sustainable funding for ongoing operations. Anderson told the board the city's current projection would add roughly $100,000 to the library’s operating budget next year to cover employees and lease costs if the library moves into the larger space. The board discussed fundraising and grants to close that gap. Anderson said one grant the library expects is about $5,000, and the board discussed whether that sum would be a bridge toward a larger capital campaign.
Trustees asked staff to research federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and related state workshops. A board member noted that application workshops are typically offered in October and November and that the group had missed this year’s sessions; the board agreed to place grant-research on the director’s calendar. Board members also suggested contacting local elected officials: Braden Gardner (identified in the meeting as on the city council) was named as someone the board might consult about city support and negotiating terms.
Other funding ideas discussed included a GoFundMe-style campaign handled through private donors with proceeds donated to the Friends of the Library, possible county assistance similar to past county-funded build-outs, and negotiating seller financing or a lease that converts to ownership. Finance staff member Rob reconfigured the library budget to cover some overages for this fiscal year and will continue to model impacts of a move or lease.
Board members also discussed selling or transferring less-used assets; a 6-by-12 enclosed trailer owned by the library was priced in discussion at roughly $4,000 as a potential one-time revenue source. Anderson said negotiating with landlords about progressive lease terms and leveraging civic partnerships would be the next steps.
Board direction: staff was asked to research CDBG eligibility and workshops, continue lease negotiations, prepare a more detailed projected operating budget for a leased or purchased space, and identify fundraising approaches and potential partners.
The discussion included multiple informal suggestions rather than a formal motion; no purchase or lease was approved at the meeting.
