Library governance changes and a proposed levy prompt planning and concerns from Forest Grove council

Forest Grove councilors told staff to add an objective to track and plan for proposed governance changes at Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) and for an accompanying library levy that county staff is considering. The mayor said WCCLS is proposing a package that includes centralized collection management and base service-level guarantees; councilors said the package could affect local staffing and hours.

“There's just big changes coming,” Mayor Wenzel said after attending a county presentation. Councilors asked staff to reframe the objective from merely 'increasing awareness' to a more active charge: “identify, consider and plan for WCCLS library governance and funding,” Jesse Vanderzanden said. He added the IGA process and policy discussions should be presented to the council prior to any final intergovernmental agreement.

Councilors raised specific concerns about timing and financial impact. One councilor said an estimate of about 30 city library staff roles could be affected if circulation management and other services centralize at the county level; staff reiterated that the county presentation and a proposed levy are being presented as a package, and emphasized the need to preserve minimum service levels locally.

Council members asked staff to report back with options and costs so the city can plan for possible changes and, if necessary, identify ways to keep local hours and services. The council agreed to keep an objective on this topic while staff and council refine the wording and monitor county action.

The council also noted the levy timing (November ballot planning) and asked for a policy discussion before an IGA returns to the council.