City Council OKs Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure on the November 8 Ballot

The City Council adopted on Monday, July 18 all three resolutions related to the inclusion of the Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure on the November 8 General Election ballot.

The measure, if approved by a two-thirds vote of city residents, would continue the city’s collection of the Library Special Tax, which will lapse in February 2023.

The first resolution formally calls for the submission of Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure to City voters.

The second resolution sets priority order for the filing of written arguments for the measure and directs the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis, while the third resolution authorizes the filing of rebuttal arguments.

Prior to the adoption, the City Council revised the language as to the proposed question on the ballot.

The revised ballot question would read: “To keep city libraries well-maintained; provide books/materials, youth reading/homework programs; maintain library hours/days open; retain qualified librarians; ensure computer access; shall the City of Pasadena continue the voter- approved annual parcel tax, currently $41 for single-family residences and condominium units and specified rates for other parcel types, generating $2,800,000 annually for 15 years, limiting annual increases to the Consumer Price Index; requiring audits, locally controlled funds, be adopted?”

The measure authorized the City of Pasadena to levy a special parcel tax on real property. Current rates are approximately $41 per single-family dwelling, $27 per apartment unit and $299 per non-residential parcel.

As per city staff, it generates $2.8 million funding a year that is used for the city library’s purchase of books and materials, homework programs, and other library services and programs.

The Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure is the second measure that will be included on the November ballot. The first measure is the Initiative Petition Charter Amendment Rent Control Measure, which would amend the city’s Charter to cap annual rent increases.

As per city staff, the total cost for submitting two City ballot measures as part of the November 2022 Statewide General Election is estimated to cost approximately $355,000.

The city staff will return at a future Council meeting to discuss the possibility of preparing and issuing a voter guide for Pasadena voters.