This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/la/ for current information.
LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund If you appreciate our service to voters, please consider helping us with a donation.
Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Measure X
Save Our Pomona Public Library
City of Pomona

Parcel Tax - 2/3 Approval Required

Fail: 18,395 / 60.63% Yes votes ...... 11,947 / 39.37% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Dec 2 2:20pm, 100.00% of Precincts Reporting (56/56)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

To provide revenue dedicated to the City of Pomona Library services, and operation of the Library no fewer than 38 hours per week, shall the City of Pomona ordinance adopting a special parcel tax of $38.00/parcel and/or residential unit, providing for annual adjustments commencing July 1, 2013, be approved by the voters?

Impartial Analysis from ARNOLD M. ALVAREZ-GlASMAN, City Attorney
Save Our Pomona Public Library

The Pomona Public library (the "library") opened in 1887, and has operated from its current location in Pomona Civic Center since 1965. As part of the City's 2012-13 Fiscal Year adopted budget, the cost to operate the library in 2012-13 is estimated at $1.1 million. This amount provides for 26 hours of weekly service from July 1 through August 15 and 20 hours of weekly service through the end of the fiscal year.

Due to the ongoing recession and resulting decreases to the City's general fund, the City estimates an early projected future budget deficit of approximately $1.5 million in Fiscal Year 2013-14. As a result, the City's general fund will not be able to fund library services in future fiscal years and the library will likely close in July 2013 unless other funding sources are found.

Measure "X" would impose a "Special library Parcel Tax" on each taxable parcel of property, improved or unimproved, within the boundaries of the City, at a rate of $38.00 per parcel and/or residential unit beginning in the 2013-14 Fiscal Year. The tax is applied on a uniform basis to all parcels, regardless of whether such parcels are commercial, residential or other uses, with the exception of governmental or exempted uses. If adopted, the measure would result in estimated revenues of $1,634,000.00 dedicated solely to library services.

If adopted, library services must be offered at least 38 hours per week over at least five (5) days per week. "library services" includes operating and maintaining equipment, library personnel salaries, and any incidental expenses incurred in the administration of the tax. If the City reduces library hours below 38 hours per week, the City may not levy the special parcel tax for the following year.

If Measure "X" is adopted, the tax revenues collected must be kept in a separate fund from the City's general fund, any may not be used for any other purpose. The measure also requires an independent auditor prepare a report and present such report to the City Council each year by December 31.

In order to be adopted, the measure must be approved by two-thirds (2/3s) of the voters. If approved, the special parcel tax will take effect July 1, 2013. Beginning on July 1,2014, the $38.00 parcel tax rate may be adjusted annually for inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment for each year, but shall not exceed a five percent (5%) adjustment and no less than zero percent (0%) adjustment for any single year. The measure also proposes an increase to the City's appropriations limit pursuant to state law.

A "Yes" vote -on Measure "X" supports the Special Library Parcel Tax in the amount of $38.00 per parcel and/or residential unit. A "No" vote on Measure "X" will not approve the Special Library Parcel Tax, and will likely result in the closure of the Library effective July 2013 unless other funding sources are found.

 
This election is archived. Any links to sources outside of Smart Voter may no longer be active. No further links will be added to this page.
Links to sources outside of Smart Voter are provided for information only and do not imply endorsement.

Arguments For Measure X
Please save our Pomona Public Library! Passage of Measure X would provide a sustained source of funding for our beloved public library - for only 10 cents per day!

Our Pomona Public Library is more than an information and education resource; it serves as a community center, discussion forum, and provides programs to all residents - from preschoolers to our senior citizens.

Founded in 1887, it houses an extensive collection of historic items and is truly a source of pride to the residents of our great city.

The library serves as a fundamental resource to support community educational needs including: homework assistance, adults pursuing educational and career goals, and teachers accessing professional materials for lesson planning. Free computer internet access for education research is central to the library's mISSIOn.

As a result of severe state and city budget cuts, our Pomona Public Library is currently open only 20 hours per week and has been threatened with complete closure.

Only thirty-eight dollars per household per year will insure that the library is open for a minimum of 38 hours per week. Measure X funds are restricted for Pomona Public Library services only, and are subject to independent annual audits.

The Pomona Public Library is the pulse and heart of our community. A yes vote on Measure X will breathe new life into this essential resource-a resource worthy of saving.

We respectfully ask for your yes vote on Measure X.

CRISTINA N. CARRIZOSA Council Member

PAULA LANTZ
Council Member

DIANA E. BUTCHER
President, Pomona Public Library Board of Trustees

FRANK GARCIA
Pomona Chamber of Commerce

MICKEY D. GALLIVAN
President, Historical Society of Pomona
Valley Board of Directors

(No arguments against Measure X were submitted)


Los Angeles Home Page || Statewide Links || About Smart Voter || Feedback
Created: December 17, 2012 13:44 PST
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://cavotes.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.