Multicounty library grants.

(1) The administrative unit of a multicounty library that serves a population of 50,000 or more and serves two or more counties, at least one of which qualifies for an equalization grant, is eligible for an annual grant from the state. The grant funds are to be used for the support and extension of library service in participating counties. The grant must be computed by the division on a state matching basis up to $1 million in local expenditures by all participating counties for operation and maintenance of a library during the second preceding year. The administrative unit of a multicounty library with:

(a) Two participating counties is eligible for a grant equal to 5 cents on each local dollar of expenditure.

(b) Three participating counties is eligible for a grant equal to 10 cents on each local dollar of expenditure.

(c) Four participating counties is eligible for a grant equal to 15 cents on each local dollar of expenditure.

(d) Five participating counties is eligible for a grant equal to 20 cents on each local dollar of expenditure.

(e) Six or more participating counties is eligible for a grant equal to 25 cents on each local dollar of expenditure.

(2) In addition, to support multicounty library service, the administrative unit of a multicounty library with:

(a) Two participating counties is eligible to receive a base grant of $50,000, effective July 1, 2008.

(b) Three or more participating counties is eligible to receive a base grant of a minimum of $250,000. Such amount shall be increased to $350,000 when the appropriation from state funds for operating, multicounty, and equalization grants is at least 3 percent more than the appropriation from state funds for those grants for fiscal year 2007-2008.

(3) For the purposes of this section, s. 257.21 does not apply.