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City Finance Brief: Who Pays for Miramar's Reclaimed Library Space?
Summary
Staff told commissioners the city will assume ongoing costs for the library's 2nd Floor after a sublease termination extinguished Broward College's reimbursements; staff estimated roughly $80,000 annually for operations and said revenue-generation models will be explored.
At the workshop, Sean Hennessey walked commissioners through the cost flow for the library's 2nd Floor and how previous reimbursements were handled. "In 3 easy steps, the county invoices the city of Miramar under the master lease...we would invoice Broward College and Nova Southeastern University for their prorated shares," Hennessey said. He added that the recent sublease termination "ends Broward College's leasehold rights and extinguishes all future reimbursement obligations."
Hennessey and other staff said the city's new responsibility is primarily operational: space is largely built out but the city will incur maintenance, parking, and insurance costs. Devon Campbell provided a ballpark figure for annual costs, saying "roughly, it's about $80,000 annually." Commissioners asked whether the loss of reimbursement constituted a revenue loss; staff responded it was "a wash" previously and not a revenue-producing activity.
Several commissioners urged that staff explore revenue-generation options for the space (including rental of underused rooms or membership fees for an incubator model) to offset operating costs. Commissioner Edwards emphasized that city leadership should "think innovative and think revenue generation" when planning the program. Staff said they will include revenue models and budget estimates in the follow-up workshop.
