Library branch possible in Olivehurst

After budget cuts in recent years stripped out much of Yuba County's ability to offer library services outside of Marysville, a committee of county supervisors Tuesday took a first, early step back the other direction.

By moving a payment of about $139,600 to the Marysville Joint Unified School District for the full board to consider, the Human Services Committee said it hopes to have a county library branch at Yuba Gardens Middle School in Olivehurst.

Committee member and Supervisor Mary Jane Griego said there's no indication when the county would have the money to staff such a library, but it would probably have evening hours when it does.

The library concept stems from a 2009 agreement between the county and the district when the school's library was being improved.

Adding such features as a separate public entrance, walkway and anti-theft detector cost the district $136,619.87, which the county would repay from its library impact fee fund.

The actual repayment, though, would split off $75,000 school district officials have agreed to pay toward pending county improvements on Powerline Road in Olivehurst, such as adding bike lanes and sidewalks and widening the road.

Griego, who represents Olivehurst, said the improvements will match the vision for Powerline.

"It's really going to be an added value," she said, adding work on Powerline is set for this summer.

The plan still has another box to check before supervisors can sign off, however. County Auditor-Controller Richard Eberle told the committee he supported the idea, but was concerned approval would come before a memorandum of understanding with the district was finalized.

District officials have an memorandum of understanding in hand, but it's not clear when district trustees will review it, said Kevin Mallen, the county's community services and development director.

But he said he would also point out the district completed the library improvements long ago, also before a memorandum of understanding was completed.

The committee agreed to forward the matter to the board with the understanding the money wouldn't be released until the memorandum of understanding was completed and approved.