SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The long-awaited plan for a new Orcutt Library is reaching a critical point, as the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors prepare to consider how to pay for the project and move it closer to construction.
The library project is scheduled to be discussed by the supervisors on Tuesday, October 20th, at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building in Santa Maria.
The agenda item is estimated to take one hour, during which time supervisors will review its progress and decide whether it should be considered a County priority.
According to the staff report, County staff are asking supervisors to determine how the project should move forward, including whether to develop a funding strategy to cover the remaining costs or explore a phased approach as money becomes available.
The project has been in the works for several years and has already made significant progress.
The County has purchased property at Clark Avenue and Foxenwood Lane, completed preliminary architectural designs and environmental reviews, and secured nearly $6 million in committed funding.
That funding includes a $2 million federal grant secured with assistance from Representative Salud Carbajal, along with a $2.125 million donation through the Friends of the Orcutt Library from the Trust of Penelope Hartnell.
Despite the current financial commitments, the project still faces a substantial funding gap.
Based on current cost estimates, an additional $23 million to $38 million is needed to complete construction and finish the project.
Supervisors will also consider options for managing the project's design and construction.
One approach would use a "Construction Manager-at-Risk" (CMAR), which can provide greater cost certainty before the design is finalized. Another option would maintain the traditional design-bid-build process while potentially breaking the project into phases.
The existing Orcutt Library, located at 175 Broadway Street and operates in leased space measuring fewer than 5,000 square feet.
Planning documents have identified the need for a larger library for decades, with a recent assessment finding that approximately 17,160 square feet would be needed to meet current community demand.
Supporters say a new library would provide more space and services for children, families, seniors and other residents, and combined with the proposed OASIS Meeting Center, the project could also create a larger gathering place for the community.
Tuesday's meeting is expected to help determine the project's next steps, including its funding strategy, design direction and construction approach.
The Board of Supervisors decision on Tuesday on whether or not to make the library a priority will help shape how the County proceeds with the project.
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