Measure PL

Pasadena Central Library Earthquake Retrofit, Repair and Upgrade Measure

Would earthquake retrofit the 97-year-old library building; meet current fire safety regulations; replace the leaky roof; remove asbestos/mold/lead paint; update outdated technology; restore Pasadena Central Library services by the City of Pasadena issuing $195,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying $28.90 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating $12,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding, requiring independent audits, public spending disclosure, all funds staying local. Measure PL requires 2/3 of votes cast in order to pass.

Fiscal Impact: The proposed issuance of $195 million in GO Bonds would cost an estimated $12 million annually, which equates to an average of $19.61 (ranging from $12.58 to $28.90 over the years) per $100,000 of the assessed valuation of a parcel over the 30-year term of the bond.

Next Los Angeles County Measure: Measure PF

The Central Library is located at 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. It opened in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the first structure built in the historic Pasadena Civic Center along with the Pasadena City Hall and Civic Auditorium and is a cornerstone of the community's architectural and cultural heritage. 

The Central Library was closed in May 2021 due to dangerous conditions. Approval of Measure PL by Pasadena voters would authorize the City of Pasadena ("City") to issue general obligation bonds to pay for the following retrofit, repair, upgrade, and reopening of the Pasadena Central Library while maintaining the historic and architectural characteristic of the building: 

  • Complete earthquake retrofit and seismic repairs; 

  • Meet current fire safety regulations; 

  • Upgrade fire safety systems; 

  • Repair the leaking roof;

  •  Remove asbestos, mold, and lead paint; 

  • Fix the mechanical systems; 

  • Update outdated technology; 

  • Open large gathering spaces for events and programming; 

  • and Provide open and equal access to critical information, computers, and wi-fi.

If a general obligation bond of $195,000,000 is issued by the City, the annual debt service would be approximately $12,000,000 with an estimated highest levy amount of $28.90 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, based on current assessed valuations (not market value). The average levy over the 30 year period is estimated at $19.60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The Finance Director of the City would file a report at least once a year showing the amount of funds collected and expended, and the status of the project. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds may only be used for the earthquake retrofit, repair, and upgrade of the Central Library, and not for any other purpose.

Source: Impartial Analysis of Measure PL

Pasadena Election Resources