Frequently Asked Questions about Library Measures A & B

March 24, 2005

What are Measures A and B?
If approved by voters, Measures A and B will maintain basic library services in nine libraries, the bookmobile and adult literacy programs. Measure A, first approved by voters in 1994, is set to expire in June. Measure A will continue the amount you currently pay to maintain existing library services ($33.66 per year). Measure A does not increase your existing tax rate. Measure B levies an additional $12 per year to restore library hours and services that have been recently cut. If these measures are not approved the $33.66 assessment you currently pay to support our local library will expire in June. Measure B will only take effect if measure A is also approved.

Who will vote on Measures A and B?
All registered voters in the Santa Clara County Library District are eligible to vote in this election. This includes voters in the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill and Saratoga and unincorporated Santa Clara County, including Alum Rock and San Martin. Both of these measures will be considered by voters in an upcoming special mail-in ballot election. On April 4th registered voters will be mailed a ballot that must be returned and received no later than May 3rd, 8pm, to the Office of the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the measures. The last day to register to vote in this election is April 18th.

How long will Measures A and B last?
If approved, Measures A and B will last 10 years. If these measures are not approved, the existing $33.66 assessment will expire in June, 2005.

How much will these two measure cost?
Measure A does not increase your existing tax rate. It will continue the amount you currently pay ($33.66 per year) to prevent your local library from closing additional days each week. Measure B levies an additional $12 per year to restore library hours and services that have been recently cut. If these measures are not approved the $33.66 assessment you currently pay to support your local library will expire in June.

Who opposes Measures A and B?
Some residents have expressed opposition to the cost of Measures A and B. Others have expressed opposition to the state laws that preclude individuals who own property within the district but do not reside within the district from voting on the measures.

Why use the Library when Internet is available?
The Santa Clara County Library has been in operation since 1912 and serves a population of 405,000 residents of nine cities and unincorporated Santa Clara County. In 2004 over 10 million books and other materials were borrowed by 3 million visitors to the Library. Approximately 1.7 million books are available through the Library. Based on local circulation data and library user statistics, students, families and seniors use the Library. Many seniors living on fixed incomes rely on the Library for free access to books. Pre-schoolers, school age children and community college students rely on the Library because it has a larger collection and better research materials than most school libraries. With local schools facing severe budget cutbacks, libraries play an important educational role. The Internet is a wonderful tool and also a service provided free at your local library.

Do the proceeds from Measures A and B stay in the local community or go to fund other libraries?
All funds paid by local residents stay local to fund the community library.

Is there financial oversight?
Yes. Both Measures A and B require annual financial audits to ensure the funds are only used for the purposes listed in the measures.

RESOLUTION OF FORMATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (PDF)

RESOLUTION CALLING SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT (PDF)

Posted by Santa Clara County Library at March 24, 2005 03:13 PM