Frequently Asked Questions
The Need for this Initiative
Why do we need a Library tax?
The San Anselmo Library lost one third of its budget in 2006 due to an economic crisis suffered by San Anselmo Town government. It is now the poorest public library in Marin. The Library is open only 36 hours a week instead of the 50 open hours we once enjoyed. We no longer have a Children’s Librarian and many children’s services and programs have been eliminated. The budget for books, movies and new computer equipment is greatly reduced. The Town supplies money from the General Fund to keep the Library open, but it is not enough to provide the level of Library service that our citizens deserve.
What the funds will support
What will these funds be used for?
These funds will make it possible for the Library to be open 50 hours and 7 days a week; will allow the hiring of a Children’s Librarian and additional technical staff; will support increased specialized programming for all ages; will improve the number and capabilities of public computer workstations and will be used to increase the budget for Library books, DVDs, audios and other materials by at least 50%.
Assuming the tax passes what would a possible 50 hour a week schedule look like?
Monday 12-8; Tuesday 10-6; Wednesday 10-6; Thursday 10-6; Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-5; Sunday 1-5
The Parcel Tax
How much will this cost me?
The proposed tax is less than $1 per week or a little over 13 cents per day per family, (and, if you itemize federal deductions, it can be as little as 10 cents a day, since property taxes are federally deductible).
I thought we already paid a Library tax?
Some portion of your property tax is used to pay for Library services, but this is money that comes to the Town and is not specifically designated for the Library. The San Anselmo Library is one of the few in Marin that is not supported by a dedicated library services tax.
What is a parcel tax?
A Parcel Tax is a tax on real estate or land that you own. All land is divided into parcels and local parcels are a way to provide secure, enhanced funding for vulnerable programs. Parcel taxes (sometimes called "special taxes") are permitted by the California State Constitution, and require approval at an election by at least 2/3 of those voting on the measure. For more information see www.safuture.org/parceltaxexplained.
I don't want more taxes. I already pay enough taxes.
Nobody likes taxes, and that includes all of us Library-supporters too. Most people resent taxes because a lot of the money goes into a pool for services they never see, and sometimes even object to. But this is a tax we can all feel good about, because we'll personally reap real benefits of improved access to the Library, improved programs for our children, and improved library materials stocks.
Since there will be a library tax on the ballot for Marin County, will I be taxed twice?
No, if you live in the County you will vote on a $49 parcel tax that will go to the County Library System, and if you live in San Anselmo you will vote on a tax which will go exclusively to the San Anselmo Library. You will not vote on more than one of these measures, and even if both tax measures pass, you will only pay the tax for the one on which you voted.
The need for a town library
Why do we need a library in San Anselmo when we have the Fairfax branch of the County Library with more books, easy parking, and longer hours so close by?
The San Anselmo Library was built in 1915 and is considered by many to be the beating heart of our community, one that has stood the test of time. It is housed in a beautiful Carnegie building, one of the few remaining Carnegie libraries in the State. More than just a place to check out books and DVDs or use a computer, our Library serves as a community center, a place to meet and greet friends and enjoy cultural programming for all ages.
Why not just join the County system?
If the San Anselmo Library joined the Marin County Library System, our share of the cost would be almost twice as much as we’re currently paying but for the same services. The San Anselmo Library is a bargain!
Why not just close the Library to save money?
The Town is required by law to fund library service for its citizens. Because the Town would pay more to receive library service from the County, it makes economic sense to keep the Town Library open. Business research confirms that good public libraries enhance property values and attract needed customers to downtown stores.
I don’t use the Library.
A free library is an important democratic institution since it provides materials and resources necessary to create an educated electorate. Children, students, seniors and others are dependent on the free resources supplied by the Library. Even if you don’t use the Library, you can support the need for one. An analogy: if your house never burns down, you are still glad to have a Fire Department in Town.
Town Budget
Isn't this just a backhanded way of solving the Town's budget problems?
It will not have any impact at all on the Town’s budget because the money from the Library Services Tax will be added to the amount the Town is already providing to fund the Library. It will augment, not supplant, the Library’s portion of the General Fund.
Will the Town be able to cut the funds it currently provides to the Library if this Tax goes into effect?
While nothing prevents the Town from cutting the funds it provides to the Library, this Tax will only continue to be levied if Town funding of the library remains above 90% of the amount budgeted for 2008-2009, which is $420,000. If the Town Council adopts a budget that reduces funding below that amount, the Tax will immediately become invalidated and will no longer be levied.
Equity
What about the people in Ross? Why don’t they have to pay?
The people of Ross receive library service from the County Library System and already pay a dedicated tax to the Marin County Free Library. When Ross citizens use the San Anselmo Library, we receive reimbursement from the State through the Transaction Based Reimbursement program. Likewise the County is reimbursed when San Anselmo citizens use the County branches.
Isn't it unfair for home owners to pay for all the libraries, when renters get to use it for free?
Renters pay rent to landlords who pay property tax. There is no residence in the county excluded from property tax. Landlords set rental rates to include property tax costs.
Is there an exemption if I cannot afford the tax?
Low income residents can file for a rebate with the Town of San Anselmo.
Initiative & Election Details
How often will the Library ask for more money?
The Library Services Tax will expire in 5 years and the voters will be probably be asked at that time to reinstate it or perhaps to increase it by a small amount.
When is the election?
June 8, 2010.
How many votes are needed for the measure to pass?
Two thirds of the total votes cast is required to pass a parcel tax such as this one. For example, if 4,000 votes are cast, we’ll need roughly 2,700 to win.
Fund Our Future Campaign
Who's funding this campaign?
The Fund Our Future Campaign is funded by donations from private citizens and the Friends of the San Anselmo Library.
What can I do to help?
You can volunteer to work with the Fund Our Future Campaign committee to get this tax passed. We’ll need volunteers to help place yard signs and posters, call friends and neighbors and help get out the vote. We'll have yard signs available that you can display to show your support.
Where can I learn more?
You can e-mail the Committee to Fund Our Future at info@safuture.com, call us at 415-843-1488 or visit our Website www.safuture.org.
