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LIBRARIES Library district lease with Jackson County may lead to ownership of buildings District approves agreement with county over buildings Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 5:39 PM Updated Apr 20, 2015 at 5:41 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 5:39 PM Updated Apr 20, 2015 at 5:41 PM » Social News A sticking point over transfer of ownership of Jackson County library buildings has been resolved between the library district and county officials. Today at the Central Point branch, the library district board unanimously approved an agreement with the county for lease of the buildings that spells out a path to assuming ownership of the 15 branches. Jackson County officials, who still must sign off on the agreement, maintain the buildings can’t be transferred until about $40 million in bonds are paid in five years. The district board appeared to be satisfied with a provision in the lease that provides for ongoing discussions about the future ownership of the buildings, though it doesn't offer many specifics. “We wanted them to agree to transfer the buildings once the bonds are paid off,” said Monica Weyhe, vice chairwoman of the district board. In the lease, it states: “The county agrees to negotiate with the district in good faith during the term of this lease regarding transfer of the premises, facilities and property subject to this agreement when all bond obligations of the county related to the library premises, improvements and property have been satisfied.” In the agreement, the county maintains that turning over the buildings could result in a default over the county’s bond obligations, which should be paid off by 2020. During the course of the lease, the county will continue to provide maintenance on the buildings for air conditioning, lights, boilers and other systems. Board member Carol Doty said the district will pay the county about $400,000 annually for insurance, maintenance and landscaping. The library district will pay for janitorial services, she said. “That’s about what we’ve been paying,” Doty said. “I don’t think that’s an unfair amount.” The library district, which formed last year, has been attempting to separate its functions with the county as much as possible. Earlier this month, the board unanimously approved a five-year contract with 3 percent annual increases for a private company to continue staffing local libraries. Maryland-based Library Services and Systems — known as LSSI — will receive $5.62 million during the fiscal year that begins this summer to operate the district's 15 branches. The figure includes a 3 percent increase to cover rising costs for staffing, books and other expenses. Hours of operation for most branches have been increased since the library district formed after voters last year approved a levy of up to 60 cents per $1,000 of property value to provide permanent, stable funding for libraries. The board adopted a tax rate of 52 cents per $1,000 of property value. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at @reporterdm .   By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 5:39 PM Updated Apr 20, 2015 at 5:41 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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