Fail: 6,829 / 49.61% Yes votes ...... 6,936 / 50.39% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Impartial Analysis from City Attorney M. Alvarez-Glasman

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 2014-15 Fiscal Year adopted budget, the City allocated $870,404 to operate the library for 29 hours per week in 2014-15. In Fiscal year 2008-09, the library was open 45 hours per week and the General Fund budget allocated $2,835,258 towards Library operations.

Measure "PPL" would impose a "Special Library Parcel Tax" for a ten (10) year period on each taxable parcel of property, improved or unimproved, within the boundaries of the City, at a rate of $42.00 per parcel beginning in the 2015-16 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 an exception for governmental or exempted uses. If adopted, the measure would result in estimated revenues of $1,387,596.00 dedicated solely to library services.

If adopted, library services must be offered at least 38 hours per week and the library must employ a Library Director and at least two (2) full time librarians with a minimum educational equivalent of a master's degree in Library Science or equivalent. Revenues from the special parcel tax would be kept in a special fund for library services and shall not be used to supplant the current allocation of revenues to the library from the Pomona General Fund. The term "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 until services are restored to such level.

If Measure "PPL" is adopted, the tax revenues collected must be keptt 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. The City shall annually adopt a report describing each parcel and the amount of tax applicable to each parcel.

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, 2015. No adjustment will be made annually for inflation.

A "Yes" vote -on Measure "PPL" supports the Special Library Parcel Tax in the amount of $42.00 per parcel and/or residential unit. A "No" vote on Measure "PPL" will not approve the Special Library Parcel Tax.