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Library Ballot Measure Should Get Pushed to 2011, Report Recommends
Photo by Matt McGrath Photography via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Photo by Matt McGrath Photography via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Los Angeles voters may see a parcel tax measure that would help fund libraries on a ballot next year instead of this November if city budget officials have their way. The Board of Library Commissioners earlier this month approved a $39/year parcel tax for the November ballot that would fund libraries enough to open them six days a week, restore jobs and enhance other programs. But a staff report (.pdf) recommends that the measure be pushed to next year -- not because it would do better then, but there's no budget for it as placing one item on the November ballot costs $4.2 million. Funds, however, are already set aside for the May 2011 election and a library measure would not cost anything.
If city councilmembers go ahead and place the measure on the November ballot, the report recommends having the cash-strapped library pay for it.
Polling has indicated that 68% of likely voters would probably vote yes on the parcel tax, which would raise $30 million annually. Due to budget cuts this year, the library system of 83 locations suffered severely, forcing reduced hours from seven days a week to five days, starting in July.
The ballot measure will be heard in a Budget and Finance committee today. The Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee already approved the ballot measure for November.
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