Altadena Library Measure Z Information

Information About Ballot Measure Z

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Special Tax Lien

CFD Committee

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Update: Measure Z was passed with a Yes vote of 72.35% in the November 2020 Election.

Program and Service Needs:

Keep libraries clean, safe, and well maintained
Continue English learning and adult literacy programs
Provide up-to-date print and online reading materials
Provide community events and activities for children, families, and seniors
Maintain library hours

Facilities Needs:

Replace leaky roofs
Remove asbestos and hazardous materials
Improve access for seniors, people with disabilities, and strollers
Replace electrical wiring to support current technology needs
Upgrade outdated plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems
Fire and emergency communications
Sustainability and energy efficiency

Background

Altadena Library District (ALD) provides library services to over 50,000 residents across the Altadena community. The District is dedicated to providing equal access to information, ideas, technology, and the joy of reading to educate and empower our diverse community. ALD provides a range of programs and services, including a robust library collection, community resources and events, literacy programs, student and teen support, meeting spaces, exhibitions, an extensive online collection, online assistance, centralized local news, and more.

As a key community resource planning for ALD’s future is a top priority. Both ALD’s Strategic Plan and Facilities Assessment, which were completed with both expert and stakeholder input, have identified both program and facilities needs. ALD’s priorities are to keep Altadena libraries safe and clean, maintain library hours, continue essential programs, and provide up-to-date print and online materials. Altadena also needs facilities that support quality library services and equitable access. Both the Main Library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch were built over 60 years ago, and are in significant need of repairs and improvements. After decades of constant use, both facilities need structural improvements, repairs to building systems, upgrades to meet current building codes, and accessibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and strollers.

About the Measure

The proposed ballot measure was a locally funded measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot seeking voter authorization to establish a Community Facilities District (CFD) within the Library District that will generate stable local funding to continue to provide programs and resources to the community; and repair and upgrade the Altadena Libraries. A “YES vote” approves funding for the District’s programs and services, and for repairs to both the Main Library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch; a “NO vote” rejects the proposed funding. All voters living within Altadena Library District boundaries who are registered to vote will be eligible to vote on this ballot measure

Official Ballot Question:“Shall the measure to keep local Altadena libraries clean, safe, well maintained; improve access for seniors/people with disabilities; replace leaky roofs; remove hazardous materials; continue literacy programs; by authorizing Altadena Library District Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Facilities and Services) to levy $0.10/square foot for single-family residences annually, with different rates for other property types, raising approximately $2,600,000 annually until ended by voters; bond issuance/appropriation limit of $24,000,000; requiring oversight/audits, low-income exemptions, and all funds staying local be adopted?”

If Approved, Funding from the Measure Would Be Used To:

Continue providing important programs and resources to the community
Repair aging facilities such as replacing leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, and aging electrical
Keep Altadena libraries clean, safe, and well maintained
Improve access for seniors, people with disabilities, and visitors with strollers
Provide up-to-date print and online reading materials
Increase computer and internet access
Continue providing community events and activities for children, families, and seniors
Preserve safe places for children and teens, for homework and after-school activities

Low Income Exemption: The proposed measure includes a low income exemption applicable to property owners of any age.

Taxpayer Protection Information: If approved, all funds will go to local Altadena Libraries only. By law, the State cannot take the funding away. The proposed measure includes oversight, annual reporting, and financial audits to ensure funds are spent properly.

For more information: Please contact Altadena Library District Director Nikki Winslow at (626) 798-0833, ext. 103 or nwinslow@altadenalibrary.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this Measure all about?

This measure is a local funding measure on the November 3, 2020 ballot seeking voter authorization to establish a Community Facilities District (CFD) within the Library District that will generate stable local funding to continue to provide programs and resources to the community and repair and upgrade the Altadena Libraries. To pass, the measure must secure at least 66.7% support among Altadena Library District voters casting ballots in the November 3, 2020 Election and voting on this measure. A “YES vote” approves funding for the District’s plan to fund programs and services, and for repairs to both the Main Library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch; a “NO vote” rejects the proposed funding. All voters living within Altadena Library District boundaries who are registered to vote will be eligible to vote on this ballot measure.

Why has the Altadena Library District (ALD) placed this measure on the ballot?

As a key community resource, planning for ALD’s future is a top priority. Both ALD’s Strategic Plan and Facilities Assessment, which were completed with both expert and stakeholder input, have identified both program and facilities needs. ALD’s priorities are to keep our libraries safe and clean, maintain library hours, continue essential programs, and provide up-to-date print and online materials. Altadena also needs facilities that support quality library services and equitable access. Both the Main Library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch were built over 60 years ago, and are in significant need of repairs and improvements. After decades of constant use, both facilities need structural improvements, repairs to building systems, upgrades to meet current building codes, and accessibility for seniors, people with disabilities, and strollers.

What is the actual question that voters will be asked to decide in November?

“Shall the measure to keep local Altadena libraries clean, safe, well maintained; improve access for seniors/people with disabilities; replace leaky roofs; remove hazardous materials; continue literacy programs; by authorizing Altadena Library District Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Facilities and Services) to levy $0.10/square foot for single-family residences annually, with different rates for other property types, raising approximately $2,600,000 annually until ended by voters; bond issuance/appropriation limit of $24,000,000; requiring oversight/audits, low-income exemptions, and all funds staying local be adopted?”

How will the measure funds be used?

Continue providing important programs and resources to the community
Repair aging facilities such as replacing leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, and aging electrical
Keep Altadena libraries clean, safe, and well maintained
Improve access for seniors, people with disabilities, and visitors with strollers
Provide up-to-date print and online reading materials
Increase computer and internet access
Continue providing community events and activities for children, families, and seniors
Preserve safe places for children and teens, for homework and afterschool activities

By law, all Measure funds must stay local and would be completely dedicated to Altadena Libraries.

Are there tax exemptions for low-income households?

Yes, there are exemptions for low-income households available for anyone who qualifies. For more information, contact: ALD Director Nikki Winslow at (626) 798-0833, ext. 103 or via email at nwinslow@altadenalibrary.org.

What is required for the Measure to pass?

At least 66.7% of the voters who cast their ballots on the measure in the November 3, 2020 Election must vote in favor of the measure for it to be approved.

How can we be assured that the measure funds will be spent properly?

Taxpayer protections are required by law and included in the measure. All funds would stay local for Altadena libraries — they cannot be taken away by the State or used for other purposes. The measure requires oversight, annual reporting, and financial audits to ensure funds are spent properly.

What local funds will the measure raise?

If passed by voters, the measure will generate up to $24 million for Altadena Library District, which would be used to keep libraries safe and clean, maintain library hours, continue important programs, provide up-to-date print and online materials; and repair both the Main Library and the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch, which were each built over 60 years ago and are in significant need of repairs and improvements.

What will the measure cost?

The proposed cost for owners of single-family residences is 10 cents per square foot. If the measure passes, the typical homeowner in the Library District would pay about $14 per month; the assessment will appear on local property tax bills and be due and paid along with other property taxes. The measure includes a low income exemption for anyone who qualifies. For more information on this topic, please contact ALD Director Nikki Winslow at (626) 798-0833, ext. 103 or via email at nwinslow@altadenalibrary.org.

Will businesses share in the cost of the measure?

Yes, both commercial and residential property owners will be subject to the assessment if it passes.

Didn’t Altadena just pass a revenue measure for our local libraries?

In 2014, local Altadena voters approved Measure A to continue vital programs, services, and resources for 10 years. This was an extension of a previous measure that had been implemented and extended since 1993 to address substantial state cuts. In June of 2025, Measure A will expire, and if voters approve this current (2020) measure, it will replace Measure A. Measure A covers about one-third of the Library District’s operating budget, providing important programs, services, and resources, up-to-date materials, Library days and hours, and support, education, events and activities for families, children, teens, and seniors.

How much do we pay for Measure A and what specifically does it fund?

Measure A, approved by the local Altadena community in 2014, is $57 per parcel per year. Measure A covers about one-third of the Library District’s operating budget, providing important programs, services, and resources; up-to-date materials; Library days and hours; and support, education, events and activities for families, children, teens, and seniors.

When will Measure A expire? What happens to Measure A funding if this new CFD measure doesn’t pass?

Measure A expires in June of 2025. If this new (2020) CFD measure doesn’t pass, the Library District and Altadena voters will have important decisions to make. Voters could renew/extend the measure as is, or approve a Measure A extension with enhancements, or let the measure expire.

What happens if this new measure does not pass?

If this measure does not pass in the November 3, 2020 Election, the financial impact on the Library District would depend on what happens to Measure A, which is set for expiration in June of 2025. The Library District could choose to ask voters to approve an extension and increase in Measure A to cover program and service costs before 2025. Measure A covers about one-third of the Library Districts operating budget. If Measure A is only extended and not increased, the Library District anticipates that budget cuts would be necessary. These could include cutting library programs and resources, reduction of up-to-date materials, reduced computer and internet access, cuts to technology instruction, cuts to Library days and hours, and cuts to community events and activities for children, families, and seniors. If this measure does not pass, the Library District anticipates that it will not have sufficient funds to update aging facilities and address building access needs. Even with ongoing maintenance, the District’s current annual budget is not sufficient to meet identified needs regarding aging facilities and accessibility. A facilities CFD bond is a typical way for local government agencies to address these types of needs. The Library District anticipates that delaying needed repairs will cause the repairs to be more expensive.

What is a CFD – Community Facilities District?

Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) are special districts established by local governments in California as a means of obtaining additional public funding. These districts can be used to pay for ongoing services. If approved by voters, the special tax may be used as the security on which to issue land-secured municipal bonds. CFDs may fund public improvements and services including infrastructure. For the critical facilities needs that the Altadena Library District has, a bond is one of the most common ways to address them.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please visit www.AltadenaLibrary.org or contact: ALD Director Nikki Winslow at (626) 798-0833, ext. 103 or via email at nwinslow@altadenalibrary.org.