Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Library Fines Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Placer County LAB discusses amnesty/fine-forgiveness; staff say data and auditor review needed
Summary
Board members raised an amnesty/fine-free proposal; library staff said data collection and a county auditor review are prerequisites, and the board agreed to table action until a new PCL director can lead the effort and until the May meeting.
Members of the Placer County Library Advisory Board discussed whether to pursue a fine forgiveness policy and an amnesty day at their Feb. 18, 2026 meeting, but deferred any formal action until staff gather data and the county auditor can review the fiscal impacts.
Donja Garvey raised the possibility of an "Amnesty Day" and broader fine forgiveness measures. Sophie Bruno, library staff and acting LAB secretary, said, "first step will need to be data collection and gathering on where we currently stand with fees/fines owed and the county auditor will need to review this initiative." Bruno added that a new Placer County Library director would likely need to spearhead the effort and make a case to the Board of Supervisors, and that LAB and Friends of the Library groups can advocate while staff await a director hire.
Michelle Sutherland volunteered to conduct preliminary research on how other library systems have implemented 'fine free' policies and asked to revisit the topic at the LAB’s May meeting once more information and staffing capacity are available. The board did not take a formal vote on the policy and agreed to table the discussion until a new director is in place.
Context: the LAB is operating with a vacant D2 seat following Jean Schumpelt's resignation and with the county library director position open; Sophie said she will share updates on staffing and related next steps when available.
Next steps: staff will collect fee/fine data and coordinate an auditor review as needed; the LAB will revisit the matter in May and may include the item for formal consideration when staff and leadership capacity allow.
