HomeMy Public PortalAbout14-8850 Funding Plan that will Restore Full Funding to the entire MDC Public Library System Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor
RESOLUTION NO. 14-8850
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OPA-LOCKA, URGING THE MIAMI-DADE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO CREATE AND
IMPLEMENT A LONG TERM STABLE FUNDING PLAN
THAT WILL RESTORE FULL FUNDING TO THE ENTIRE
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARYSYSTEM; PROVIDING
FOR TRANSMITTAL; PROVIDING FOR
INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS,libraries are central to our free society because at the heart of our democracy
is free access to information for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, or economic status.
Libraries represent an individual's right to acquire knowledge, explore and achieve. A healthy
library system promotes literacy and cultural appreciation and fosters a more knowledgeable and
educated society; and
WHEREAS, revenues to Miami-Dade County libraries have been reduced by more than
half in the last four(4) years, causing reduced operating hours, layoffs, a reduction in new titles,
and fewer programs for children and the community. The result: 5.5 million fewer visits to our
libraries since budget cuts began and a resulting loss of services to residents; and
WHEREAS,trained librarians are central to a 21"Century library system because they are
skilled research assistants and educators who teach patrons how to best access this important
resource that includes books, archives and the Web. They level the playing field for every patron
who needs access to information and the valuable services provided by libraries; and
WHEREAS,the Opa-locka City Commission is aware of the current funding crisis faced
by the Public Library System, and are encouraged by and optimistic about an improved economy
and the prospects for a return to a stabilized and strong economy thereby allowing for the
restoration of full funding for the public Library System; and
WHEREAS,the Miami-Dade County Public Library System(the"MDPLS") is comprised
of 49 branches, which service over 2.5 million residents and over 8 million annual visitors
throughout Miami-Dade County; and
Resolution No. 14-8850
WHEREAS,with the reductions of funding to the MDPLS and the closures,down-sizing
or reconfigurations of the Public Library System, many children, teens, and adults within all the
Miami-Dade County municipalities have been turned away from a place of learning,as exemplified
in the City of Opa-locka,where local branch hours have been reduced from 2010-11,to 2014; and
WHEREAS, a survey by the Task Force has shown that a significant number of Miami-
Dade County residents support the library system and are willing to support a better level of service
in the Public Library System;The City Commission believes that a sustainable financial plan with
the restoration of full funding for the Miami-Dade County Public Library System is in the best
interest of all residents of the City and the County.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF OPA-LOCKA,FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The recitals to the preamble are hereby incorporated by reference.
Section 2. The City Commission of the City of Opa-locka,Florida,urges the Miami-Dade
Mayor and Board of County Commissioners to provide funding for the Miami-Dade Public Library
System for FY 2014-15,at a minimum,to be maintained at the level of funding for the current FY
2013-14; to continue to provide the current level of service without reductions in staff, and to
implement a stable long term funding plan to restore full funding to the entire Miami-Dade Public
Library System.
Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby authorized to transmit this resolution to the Miami-
Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners and to the municipalities within Miami-
Dade County.
Resolution No. 14-8850
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 24th day of September, 2014.
�MAA TAYLOR
MAYOR
Attest:
J na Flores
City Clerk
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
J s Geller, Esq.
G EE SPOON MARDER, PA
r Attorney
Moved by: VICE MAYOR KELLEY
Seconded by: COMMISSIONER JOHNSON
Commission Vote: 4-0
Commissioner Holmes: YES
Commissioner Johnson: YES
Commissioner Santiago: NOT PRESENT
Vice-Mayor Kelley: YES
Mayor Taylor: YES