Fail: 14,371 / 55.48% Yes votes ...... 11,534 / 44.52% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

This proposed Library Relief Act ("Act"), if passed by two-thirds of those voting, will raise approximately $1.6 million per year. The money may only be used for the maintenance and operations of the City's libraries (which includes buying materials for library patrons, including books) and to pay approximately one-half of the annual debt service on the bond that was used to construct the Feldheym Library (or $332,400 per year, whichever amount is less).

It will cost single family residential parcel owners $20 per year (about $1.67 per month). An exemption. exists for seniors whose annual income levels are below a certain amount. In addition, those who are disabled will also be exempt from paying it. This tax will not be paid by any person receiving an exemption from the City's Service User's Tax.

The Act will automatically end eight years from its enactment.

The Act would help fund the City's libraries for the next eight years by imposing an annual library special tax in the following manner:

• $20 per parcel containing one single family residence;
• $20 per residential unit in a condominium project;
• $13 per residential unit per parcel for all other residentially-used or designated parcels;
• $50 per parcel of non-residentially used or designated property in the City.

For the first two years of this tax, the City will be required to appropriate, annually, a minimum of $2,358,400 (in addition to the money raised by the tax) for the maintenance and operations of the City's libraries. After the first year, the tax would be indexed annually by June 1, based upon the consumer price index. The tax would be imposed after the second year only if the City appropriates the required amount of money (+ or - the cost of living adjustment) or at least $2,358,400, whichever is greater (in addition to the money raised by the tax), to the libraries for their maintenance and operations costs. Such appropriation will insure that the money raised by the tax is additional money for the libraries.

A "yes" vote approves the Act and authorizes imposition of a special tax for eight years to help fund the City's libraries.

A "no" vote rejects the measure and the City's libraries would not receive the proposed additional funds.

City of San Bernardino

San Bernardino Public Library