A proposed 21-month plan to reshape how the Library District of Clackamas County operates could cost $150,000 in unbudgeted county funds and lead to a ballot measure affecting library services across Clackamas County within two years.
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners will take up the implementation plan at a policy session next Tuesday. The board will sit as the Library District of Clackamas County Board of Directors, according to a staff worksheet prepared by Tony Mayernik, policy advisor in the County Administration department.
The district has no permanent staff. Under a 2009 intergovernmental agreement, it distributes 100% of its revenues to participating cities by formula, and those cities operate the libraries.
What the plan proposes
Staff recommend a five-phase approach that would unfold over about 21 months:
- Phase 1: Analysis of service levels and service areas (3 months)
- Phase 2: Community engagement on district purpose and structure (6 months)
- Phase 3: Revenue evaluation and funding structure analysis (3 months)
- Phase 4: Community engagement on proposed changes (6 months)
- Phase 5: Preparation for a potential ballot referral (3 months)
The final phase explicitly contemplates a countywide library vote, with the staff worksheet noting that achieving the strategic framework's goals "may require a ballot measure, which would need to be evaluated based on polling data and community sentiment."
How it got here
In 2025, the board convened a task force that produced two recommendations: clarify how the district's intergovernmental agreement handles capital expenses, and create a strategic framework for the district's 20th year of service and beyond.
Right before 2026, commissioners merged those recommendations and directed staff to develop an implementation plan.
The sticking point
The $150,000 price tag has no budget line. City managers have not agreed to reallocate district revenues to fund the work, according to the staff worksheet.
City leadership has expressed reservations about a local option levy or district reformation at a new permanent rate, particularly if revenues from incorporated areas would flow outside those communities.
Three options on the table
Commissioners — Chair Craig Roberts, Commissioner Diana Helm, Commissioner Paul Savas, Commissioner Martha Schrader, and Commissioner Ben West — face three choices:
- Hire an external consultant using unbudgeted county general funds and solicit funding from member cities.
- Engage participating cities and the community to develop a draft strategic framework and share costs.
- Take no further action.
Staff recommend Option 2. Any changes to the IGA or district structure that are not approved by all parties to the 2009 agreement may not be able to move forward, the worksheet notes.
How to attend or watch
The session is open to the public in person at 2051 Kaen Road, Suite 409, Oregon City. Residents can also join via Zoom (meeting ID: 816 1541 0129) or watch live on the Clackamas County YouTube channel.
Free language assistance is available by contacting 503-655-8581 or [email protected] at least 48 hours before the meeting.
