2007 Minnesota Statutes

134.355 BASIC REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM; SUPPORT.
    Subdivision 1. Appropriations. Basic system support grants and regional library
telecommunications aid provide the appropriations for the basic regional library system.
    Subd. 2. Grant application. Any regional public library system which qualifies according
to the provisions of section 134.34 may apply for an annual grant for regional library basic
system support. Regional public library districts under section 134.201 may not compensate board
members using grant funds. The amount of each grant for each fiscal year shall be calculated
as provided in this section.
    Subd. 3. Per capita distribution. Fifty-seven and one-half percent of the available grant
funds shall be distributed to provide all qualifying systems an equal amount per capita. Each
system's allocation pursuant to this subdivision shall be based on the population it serves.
    Subd. 4. Per square mile distribution. Twelve and one-half percent of the available grant
funds shall be distributed to provide all qualifying systems an equal amount per square mile. Each
system's allocation pursuant to this subdivision shall be based on the area it serves.
    Subd. 5. Base grant distribution. Five percent of the available grant funds shall be paid to
each system as a base grant for basic system services.
    Subd. 6. Adjusted net tax capacity per capita distribution. Twenty-five percent of the
available grant funds shall be distributed to regional public library systems based upon the
adjusted net tax capacity per capita for each member county or participating portion of a county
as calculated for the second year preceding the fiscal year for which the grant is made. Each
system's entitlement shall be calculated as follows:
(a) Multiply the adjusted net tax capacity per capita for each county or participating portion
of a county by .0082.
(b) Add sufficient grant funds that are available under this subdivision to raise the amount
of the county or participating portion of a county with the lowest value calculated according to
paragraph (a) to the amount of the county or participating portion of a county with the next
highest value calculated according to paragraph (a). Multiply the amount of the additional grant
funds by the population of the county or participating portion of a county.
(c) Continue the process described in paragraph (b) by adding sufficient grant funds that are
available under this subdivision to the amount of a county or participating portion of a county
with the next highest value calculated in paragraph (a) to raise it and the amount of counties and
participating portions of counties with lower values calculated in paragraph (a) up to the amount
of the county or participating portion of a county with the next highest value, until reaching an
amount where funds available under this subdivision are no longer sufficient to raise the amount
of a county or participating portion of a county and the amount of counties and participating
portions of counties with lower values up to the amount of the next highest county or participating
portion of a county.
(d) If the point is reached using the process in paragraphs (b) and (c) at which the remaining
grant funds under this subdivision are not adequate for raising the amount of a county or
participating portion of a county and all counties and participating portions of counties with
amounts of lower value to the amount of the county or participating portion of a county with
the next highest value, those funds are to be divided on a per capita basis for all counties or
participating portions of counties that received grant funds under the calculation in paragraphs
(b) and (c).
    Subd. 7. Population determination. Population shall be determined according to section
477A.011, subdivision 3.
    Subd. 8. Eligibility. A regional public library system may apply for regional library
telecommunications aid. The aid must be used for data and video access maintenance, equipment,
or installation of telecommunication lines. To be eligible, a regional public library system must
be officially designated by the commissioner of education as a regional public library system as
defined in section 134.34, subdivision 3, and each of its participating cities and counties must
meet local support levels defined in section 134.34, subdivision 1. A public library building that
receives aid under this section must be open a minimum of 20 hours per week.
    Subd. 9. Telecommunications aid. An application for regional library telecommunications
aid must, at a minimum, contain information to document the following:
    (1) the connections are adequate and employ an open network architecture that will ensure
interconnectivity and interoperability with school districts, postsecondary education, or other
governmental agencies;
    (2) that the connection is established through the most cost-effective means and that the
regional library has explored and coordinated connections through school districts, postsecondary
education, or other governmental agencies;
    (3) that the regional library system has filed an e-rate application; and
    (4) other information, as determined by the commissioner of education, to ensure that
connections are coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective, take advantage of discounts, and meet
applicable state standards.
    The library system may include costs associated with cooperative arrangements with
postsecondary institutions, school districts, and other governmental agencies.
    Subd. 10. Award of funds. The commissioner of education shall develop an application
and a reporting form and procedures for regional library telecommunications aid. Aid shall be
based on actual costs of connections and funds available for this purpose. The commissioner shall
make payments directly to the regional public library system.
History: 1978 c 546 s 6; 1979 c 334 art 9 s 7,8; 1981 c 358 art 6 s 27; 1Sp1985 c 12 art 9 s
1; 1988 c 719 art 5 s 84; 1989 c 329 art 13 s 20; 1991 c 265 art 10 s 4; 1993 c 375 art 7 s 4;
1Sp2001 c 3 art 4 s 3; 1Sp2003 c 9 art 6 s 2,3,5; 2004 c 294 art 5 s 22; 2007 c 146 art 11 s 18