Olathe makes its library system a city department

Olathe has taken its library system under its wing.

On Tuesday evening, the city council unanimously voted to make the Olathe Public Library a city department, rather than keep it a separate legal entity.

The governing body decided folding the library system into the city’s organizational structure would benefit the library financially, by allowing city resources to help it expand.

“What brought us to do this was a desire to do more,” said Mayor Michael Copeland. “It’s a good opportunity for both the city and the library. It is not intended to diminish the quality of services the library has done in the past. It’s just important that we step up to the plate and invest in our library.”

Councilwoman Marge Vogt said that she had received numerous e-mails from citizens concerned about the city charter being changed to make the library a city department.

One of their biggest concerns was what will happen to the library’s main funding source, its mill levy.

After all, most of the library’s approximately $4.5 million operating budget comes from the 2.5 mill dedicated levy.

City Manager Michael Wilkes responded that the 2.5 mills that go to the library will stay for the library.

Vogt seemed satisfied with the response. She’s pleased people in the community are taking an interest in the merger.

“It’s important for citizens to really know what’s taking place here,” she said. “It’s a big deal.”

Wilkes pointed out that bringing the library system into the city is similar to what occurred with Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm a few years ago.

The former Mahaffie board wanted an expansion, but couldn’t make it happen at the time. Once the historical site became a division of the city’s parks and recreation department, Mahaffie made significant improvements.

Mahaffie now has a Heritage Center and new barn, Wilkes said.

He hopes similar success will be found with the library. He sees this move as a win-win for both parties.

“This is a merger of two very strong entities and it will allow us to be more successful in the future together, than we have been apart,” he said.

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 9:58 PM with the headline "Olathe makes its library system a city department."