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Piedmont approves three-year library services LOU with Oakland at $360,985 annually
Summary
Council authorized the city administrator to execute a three-year letter of understanding with Oakland Public Library that includes a one-time 3% increase for an annual payment of $360,985; staff said the amount is budgeted and council discussed per-capita methodology and future community outreach.
The Piedmont City Council on Jan. 5 authorized a three-year letter of understanding (LOU) with Oakland Public Library that continues Piedmont residents’ access to Oakland’s library services and includes a one-time 3% increase, bringing the annual contract amount to $360,985.
City staff summarized Piedmont’s long history of contracting with the Oakland Public Library, noting the city had not operated its own library since incorporation and that Piedmont’s FY25–26 general fund budget includes the $360,985 line item. Staff explained Oakland had previously sought a general-fund per-capita approach that would produce a higher figure (staff referenced $364,114 under that methodology), and council members discussed pursuing community engagement and metrics during the three-year term to evaluate the relationship going forward.
Public comment supported continuing the LOU. John Tallick urged the council to approve the agreement and called Oakland Public Library “a regional resource” that complements Piedmont services. Council members said an LOU provides clarity for three years and gives staff and council time to collect data and determine whether a different arrangement is warranted at renewal time.
The motion to authorize the city administrator to execute the LOU passed unanimously.
