Library board authorizes $60,170 from trust fund to buy Second Floor furnishings

The Escondido Library Board of Trustees voted to authorize $60,170.25 from the library trust fund to purchase unfunded furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) for the library’s Second Floor. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Reno, library director, presented the board with a breakdown showing which Second Floor items remained unfunded and described that the community foundation had committed to funding other elements. “Attached to the report you’ll find the latest quote from GM,” Reno said, noting the $60,170.25 request covered staff areas, the literacy classroom and one administrative staff workstation and did not include a contingency.

The board discussed the foundation’s planned contribution, which Reno said would need a written commitment before a city council deadline; Robert, City of Escondido staff, confirmed the city council would accept the foundation donation on Nov. 5 and that the foundation would then write a check to the city for its portion.

A board member moved to approve use of the trust fund to cover $60,170.25 for the unfunded Second Floor items; another board member seconded the motion. The board voted and approved the motion 5 to 0.

The report presented to trustees included updated vendor quotes and separate line items the foundation had said it would fund (roughly $102,000), and the staff recommendation excluded a contingency at the board’s request. Reno told trustees he would supply updated trust-balance figures after the meeting when asked: staff recalled the trust had been around $600,000 before earlier approvals, and trustees estimated the balance after this request would be roughly $300,000 though Reno said he would confirm the exact amount.

Next steps include the city council formally accepting the foundation donation and the city issuing a check; staff will then proceed with purchasing the approved items. The board did not authorize any contingency funding in this motion.