HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.B 11/07/2016DATE: November 7, 2016
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: John C. Brown, City Manager
Agenda Item #3.B
SUBJECT: Consideration and Possible Approval of Resolution Supporting Measure Y, a
Countywide Quarter Cent Sales Tax Measure for the Sonoma County Library
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council consider the attached Resolution Supporting Measure Y, a
Countywide Quarter Cent Sales Tax Measure for the Sonoma County Library and take action as
appropriate.
BACKGROUND
The Sonoma County Library was formed in 1975 through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)
between the cities of Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sonoma and the County of Sonoma.
The JPA has since been amended to include each city in Sonoma County. The Library is
governed by the Library Commission and eleven - person body with members appointed by the
County Board of Supervisors and member City Councils. Library service is provided through the
Central Santa Rosa Library, 10 regional libraries, and two rural stations, with assistance from
Mendocino County's Bookmobile service. Much of the Library's funding comes from its share
of the property tax collected by Sonoma County, based on a set formula.
During the recession, Library services, including hours of operation, were cut to address revenue
declines. Although property taxes are rebounding with the recovery, Library costs have
continued to exceed the ability to restore and enhance services.
To address its revenue needs, the Library Commission placed a special purpose tax measure on
the November 2014 ballot, which would have increased the sales and use tax by I/4 cent. The
measure needed a 2/3 majority to pass, but only 62 percent of voters supported the tax.
On July 18, 2016 the Library Commission adopted an ordinance to place a special purpose tax
measure on the November 8, 2016 ballot. If approved, the measure would impose a one - eighth
of a cent (0.125 %) transaction and use tax on retail sales in the County of Sonoma, beginning
April 1, 2017, for a term of ten years. The tax is expected to generate approximately $12 million
per year in new revenue, and would be subject to annual audit, regular community reporting, and
review by a citizen's oversight committee to provide accountability.
The Library Commission has indicated it would use the additional tax proceeds to address
Library priorities such as restoring library hours that have been reduced by 25% since 2011;
maintain the Library's children's book collection; construct dedicated computer labs; attract and
retain qualified librarians; provide educational services for students including homework help;
and expand services for seniors and the disabled. The measure contains accountability
provisions to ensure that tax proceeds are spent for the purposes intended. These include citizen
oversight, community reporting, and annual audit.
DISCUSSION
The Mayor and Councilmember Barrett have both indicated an interest in placing a resolution
supporting Measure Y before the City Council for consideration. The attached resolution was
prepared for your consideration and action as appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
1)
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MEASURE Y, A COUNTYWIDE 1/8 CENT
SALES TAX MEASURE FOR THE SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY
WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library was formed in 1975 pursuant to a Joint Powers
Agreement between member agencies, which has been amended over time to include the County
of Sonoma and each city in Sonoma County; and
WHEREAS, much of the Sonoma County Library's funding for services derives from its
share of property taxes, which was set by formula in 1978 with the implementation of
Proposition 13; and
WHEREAS, during the recession, library funding declined and library services were cut,
while the costs of books, materials and other services continued to increase, with the result that
the library needs of Sonoma County residents are not being met; and
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2016 the Library Commission adopted an ordinance to place a
special purpose tax measure on the ballot at the November 8, 2016, election, and the ordinance
will become effective if approved by two - thirds of the voters voting on the measure (Measure
Y); and
WHEREAS, the special tax proposed in the ordinance would be a one - eighth of one
percent (0.125 %) transactions and use tax imposed for ten (10) years on retail sales in the County
of Sonoma, beginning April 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, increased tax proceeds will provide locally controlled funding that will be
used to address Library priorities such as restoring library hours that have been reduced by 25%
since 2011; maintain the Library's children's book collection; construct dedicated computer labs;
attract and retain qualified librarians; provide educational services for students including
homework help; and expand services for seniors and the disabled; and
WHEREAS, Measure Y provides financial accountability through a citizen's oversight
commission, annual reporting to the community and annual audits.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma expresses its support for a Measure Y, the proposed countywide 1/8 cent sales tax
measure to support the Sonoma County Library, and encourages voters in Petaluma and Sonoma
County to vote "yes" on the measure.