To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive and Economic Development Collaborative
Staff Name and Phone Number: M. Christina Rivera 707-565-2431, Travis Shenk 707-565-1269, Ethan Brown 707-565-7170, Katherine DiPasqua 565-4893
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Third
Title:
Title
Funding Agreement for Roseland Library
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Delegate authority to the County Executive to negotiate and execute a grant funding agreement with the Sonoma County Library in the amount of $60,000, in form approved by County Counsel, for funding the construction of a sound studio and the purchase of laptops for the new Roseland Regional Library.
B) Make findings as required by Section 26227 of the Government Code that the funding of capital improvements and technology for the Sonoma County Library is necessary to meet the social needs of the population of the County.
end
Executive Summary:
With the adoption of the Access Sonoma Broadband Action Plan <https://sonomaedc.org/Microsites/Economic%20Development%20Board/Documents/Broadband/06_08_21_EDB_Access%20Sonoma%20Plan_ENGLISH%20ADA.pdf> in June 2021 and continued support of broadband deployment, access, and adoption programs, the Board of Supervisors is committed to ensuring that residents and businesses have access to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband services. Reliable broadband is critical to modern life, providing access to services, economic development, education, healthcare, retail, communication, and more.
In April 2025, the Sonoma County Library requested $300,000 from the County to be used for cutting-edge improvements, technology, and equipment for the new Roseland Regional Library (Attachment 1). Staff from the County Executive Office (CEO) and Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) have determined that there is a combined $60,000 in available Public, Educational, and Governmental Access (PEG) and California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) funding to support the Library’s request. These funds will be used to for the purchase of laptops and the construction of a sound studio.
Discussion:
The mission of Access Sonoma Broadband is to close the digital divide by connecting Sonoma County's unserved and underserved communities to fast, affordable, and reliable internet service. In September 2024, the EDC completed a Digital Needs Assessment <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13584302&GUID=FAA0EAFD-E0CB-4044-804A-9D09D80DE0DC> which revealed that along with reliable and affordable internet, Sonoma County residents also need access to devices and digital skills trainings.
The Sonoma County Library is a trusted resource for community members to access free internet, devices, and digital skills trainings. Construction of the new 12,475 square foot library in the Roseland area is underway, with a planned opening in Spring 2027. The new Roseland Regional Library will be a model for a flexible, resilient and modern library that will service Sonoma County for generations. The library will focus on providing six key areas: welcoming places for children and families; collections that honor diverse cultures; technology that bridges the digital divide; partnerships that open doors; growing sustainability; and gathering places that bring people together.
With the allocation of $60,000 of funds towards the purchase of laptops and construction of a sound studio, the County is supporting access to internet, technology, and equipment for some of the County’s most disadvantaged residents. The sound studio will provide access to the public to create podcasts, record original music, and learn valuable job skills.
Government Code Section 26227 allows the Board of Supervisors to fund programs deemed necessary to meet the social, education, and other needs of the population of the County. A laptop and sound studio in the library expands the equitable access to technology, learning, and creative expression. Laptops allow patrons of all ages to complete homework, apply for jobs, access online services, and build digital skills that are essential in today’s workforce, particularly for those who lack reliable technology at home. A sound studio complements this by providing a safe, inclusive space for students, entrepreneurs, artists, and community groups to create podcasts, record music, preserve oral histories, and develop media literacy skills. Together, these resources foster lifelong learning, encourage collaboration and creativity, support workforce and small business development, and strengthen community connection and reinforcing the library’s role as a modern hub that serves the diverse and evolving needs of the County’s population.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY25-26 Adopted |
FY26-27 Projected |
FY27-28 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$20,000 |
$40,000 |
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$20,000 |
$40,000 |
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
$20,000 |
$40,000 |
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
General Fund Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$20,000 |
$40,000 |
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The combined $60,000 of available funds are comprised of $20,000 from California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) funding already included in the EDC’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and $40,000 from the Public, Educational, and Governmental Access (PEG) funds that will be included in consolidated budget adjustments. The Library will be reimbursed for actual expenses for the construction of a sound studio of up to $40,000.
|
Staffing Impacts: |
|
|
|
|
Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
1. Sonoma County Library Funding Request
2. Funding Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Click or tap here to enter text.