FROM:
Linda M. Kenton, Assistant Town Manager/Town Librarian
SUBJECT:
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Receive report regarding the Library Parcel Tax renewal and provide direction to staff.
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RECOMMENDATION
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That the Town Council receive a report on the Library Parcel Tax renewal and provide direction to staff. Click or tap here to enter text.
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BACKGROUND
On June 8, 2010, the voters of San Anselmo passed Measure B. https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/rv/elections/past/2010/june/ballot-measures/measureb.pdf with 75.8% majority of the vote, establishing a $49.00 Library Parcel Tax. The ballot initiative, prepared by Library supporters, called for the Town to increase San Anselmo Library open hours, improve children's services at the library including hiring a special Children's Librarian, and enhance general Library services. The tax was slated to last five years, expiring in June 2015. Three Marin library jurisdictions sought support from their respective voters in June 2010. The San Anselmo Public Library joined the Marin County Free Library and the San Rafael Public Library by each asking for a $49.00 parcel tax. San Anselmo and the County asked for a five-year tax while San Rafael asked for seven years. All measures passed with San Anselmo by 75.8%, Marin County Free Library by 74.8% and San Rafael Public Library by 70.2%.
The Town Council established the Library Parcel Tax Oversight Committee in November 2010 to ensure accountability and transparency for these funds. The committee has reported to the Town Council each year that the tax funds are being spent according to the ballot language and the will of the people.
In anticipation of the June 2015 expiration and in consultation with Marin County Free Library it was recommended to pursue a ballot measure in June 2014 due to the expected heft of the November 2014 ballot and the presumed expectation that it could negatively impact a library tax renewal.
Council approved placin...
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