L.A. council agrees to draft a library tax measure for voters to consider in fall

The Los Angeles City Council voted 9 to 1 on Tuesday to instruct its lawyers to draft a $30-million library tax measure, even as several members voiced doubts about sending it to voters in the Nov. 2 election.

Councilman Richard Alarcon questioned whether the measure should be expanded to include park facilities. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Janice Hahn said she was troubled that the city would have to spend $4.2 million to get the property tax hike on the ballot in this year's state election. "We don't have the money," she said.

Hahn suggested that the council consider the measure for the March municipal election, which would not cost the city anything.

But Councilman Dennis Zine, who cast the only opposing vote, said voters should not be asked to approve any additional tax in such difficult economic times.

City Librarian Martin Gomez said voters would be more likely to provide the two-thirds support for a parcel tax in November, when turnout is expected to be higher.

Libraries are slated to lose one day of service a week in the fiscal year that starts Thursday.

The proposed tax hike would require property owners to pay an extra $39 per parcel per year. Proceeds would restore one day of service per week.

The council must cast a final vote on a proposed library tax by July 14, according to a spokesman for council President Eric Garcetti.

-- David Zahniser

Comments

[Uber]

Can this Council get any stupider. Put a state employee tax up for vote.

[Fed Up]

Janice Hahn could tax people 110% and she still wouldn't be happy. Socialism/Communisim has failed. The only benefactors are the corrupt people in power.

[J.H Brown]

Martin Gomez, is wrong on the parcel tax I hope. Property owners are tired of being taxed to death for services that others use, but do not pay for. LAUSD is saying it is going to put its $ 100.00 tax in November also. Property owners are not getting any breaks like others, and especially like AEG. Land lords cannot raise the rent on July 1, but will have their rental property tax increase. Everyone gets to vote on these measures, and if the measures win it will only be the property owners paying. We will be out in full force to defeat these measures as before. No one seems to think home owners are fighting to stay above water also. On July 1 DWP will raise rates as everyone else, and property owners will be hit hard. It must be a curse for people to buy homes, and others want to stick it to them to get free services.

[Anonymous]

The Council is throwing good money on a gamble. We'll ensure it loses.

[Paul Green]

No new taxes until the over-bloated pensions are cut and the number of city employees is reduced! Otherwise next year we'll just get more of the same.