O.C. Wants City to Stay in Library System

A countywide library task force may offer Irvine “an enhanced level of service” if the city remains in the county system, County Librarian John Adams said Tuesday.

Adams’ comments came in reaction to a city consultant’s report concluding that the withdrawal of Irvine’s two libraries from the county library system was feasible.

But the report also cautions that withdrawal from the 21-city system would be costly without the return of Irvine’s $2.8-million annual contribution in property taxes to the county system.

Adams said he would recommend against returning Irvine’s funds if the city withdraws from the county system. The county spends $2.3 million on Irvine’s two libraries, leaving what city leaders complain is a $500,000 “subsidy” of the county system.

“Given the current status of the library fund, I would be very reluctant to give away assets that we need to provide service to the public,” Adams said.

Councilman Barry Hammond said the library report makes it clear that the return of property tax monies is the critical issue.

Councilman Greg Smith said the county library system should be dismantled.

“The county is telling us that we should stay on a sinking ship,” Smith said. “The system is broken and the county doesn’t have the money to fix it.”

The council will review the city report on July 23, but Adams is encouraging Irvine leaders to postpone a vote until after the county library task force issues budget recommendations next month. Adams said the task force may recommend spending more money on Irvine’s libraries.

“If the county wants to sweeten the pot to encourage us to stay with the current program, we’ll take a look at it,” City Manager Paul Brady said.