Measure E | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would combine two existing parcel taxes and extend the resulting single parcel tax for library services provided within the City of Sacramento. Library services include programs for children, teens, and seniors; regular open hours at city libraries; library staff; acquisition of books, magazines, newspapers, media, and other library materials; and access to technology at City of Sacramento libraries until repealed by the voters. Measure E requires a two-thirds vote in order to pass.

Fiscal Impact: The ordinance does not change the overall tax rate. The combined parcel tax would be collected from the owners of all non-exempt properties within the City of Sacramento.

Next Sacramento County Measure: Measure G

See Endorsements for Measure E

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue that Measure E will keep our libraries open five days a week as they are now—without increasing taxes. Measure E will not increase taxes. It simply renews the existing current funding for our 12 city libraries. Vote yes on Measure E to maintain the library’s after school homework and reading programs for children and story time for preschoolers. Vote yes to provide a safe space for teens and seniors, and library services for people of all ages. Vote yes to ensure libraries are accessible to those with disabilities. Vote yes so that our libraries have digital technology for those, including children, who don’t have access to computers and the internet at home.

A YES vote on this measure means: you are in favor of approving the ordinance combining the existing parcel taxes and extending the resulting parcel tax for library services within the City of Sacramento.

Con:

No official argument against Measure E was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against approving the ordinance.

In Depth

Measure E would consolidate and extend the existing parcel taxes for library services, subject to the same annual adjustments as the existing taxes, until the tax is repealed by the voters. Parcel tax revenue will be used for library services, including, without limitation, programs for children, teens, and seniors; regular open hours at city libraries; library staff; acquisition of books, magazines, newspapers, media, and other library materials; and access to technology at city libraries.

Past parcel taxes that would be consolidated under Measure E include;

On November 2, 2004, the voters of the City of Sacramento approved a parcel tax within the City of Sacramento for the purpose of funding additional library services, including children’s programs, homework centers, increased hours, new book funding, and technology in branch libraries (Measure X). The parcel tax was set at $26.60 per year for single family residences and specified amounts for all other properties for 10 years beginning with the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Rate increases are limited to 3% annually.
In 2014, the voters of the City of Sacramento approved, by a two-thirds vote, a supplemental 12 year, $12 per-parcel tax, generating nearly $1.9 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2014-15 (Measure B), to stabilize library funding and avoid deep service level cuts. This tax allowed the Sacramento Public Library to continue providing core library services at the City’s libraries.
On June 7, 2016, Sacramento voters approved the extension of Measure X for an additional 10 years beginning in fiscal year 2017-2018. The voters also approved the removal of the restrictions on use of the funds, allowing the parcel tax revenue to be used for all library services.

Source: Impartial Analysis of Measure E

Voter Resources

Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections Office