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Multnomah County, Oregon, Measure 26-211, Library Bond Issue (November 2020)

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Multnomah County Measure 26-211
LocalBallotMeasures Final.png
Election date
November 3, 2020
Topic
County bonds
Status
Approveda Approved
Type
Referral
Origin
Lawmakers


A bond issue to fund county library renovations was on the ballot for voters in Multnomah County, Oregon, on November 3, 2020. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the county to issue $387 million in bonds to finance library renovations and imposing a property tax of $61 per $100,000 of assessed value to repay the bonds.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the county to issue $387 million in bonds to finance library renovations.


A simple majority vote was required for the approval of Measure 26-211. Multnomah County voters last approved a library bond in May 1996 totaling $28 million.[1]

Election results

Multnomah County Measure 26-211

Result Votes Percentage

Approved Yes

264,711 59.64%
No 179,102 40.36%
Results are officially certified.
Source



Measure design

The measure would authorize the Multnomah County library system to issue a $387 million bond to fund the following:

  • enlarge and renovate eight county libraries,
  • build a 'flagship' library in East County,
  • add speed to library internet, and
  • create a handling center to disburse materials across the library system.

The measure would also authorize the county to impose a tax at the rate of $61 per $100,000 of assessed property value to repay the bonds. It will also establish an independent bond oversight committee to audit the funds.

At the time of the election, the property tax rate for Multnomah County Library District was $122 per $100,000 of assessed value.[2]

Text of measure

Ballot question

The ballot question was as follows:

Shall County expand, modernize, rebuild, acquire land for library facilities; issue $387,000,000 in general obligation bonds, with oversight, audits? If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article Xl of the Oregon Constitution.[3]

Ballot summary

The ballot summary was as follows:

If approved, the Library bond would authorize the County to issue up to $387 million in general obligation bonds to update, renovate, construct, and refresh libraries across the county. More space would be provided for Library programs, and public meetings: and to sit, read, study, work and learn. Access to computers, digital devices and high-speed internet would be increased in every branch. More library space would be made available for East Portland and East Multnomah County. Specifically, if approved, the bonds would:

1. Enlarge and modernize eight County libraries, some in each part of the county; including Albina, Belmont, Holgate, Midland, North Portland, Northwest, and St. Johns;

2. Build a 'flagship' library in East County similar in capacity to Central Library in downtown Portland;

3. Add gigabit speed internet to all library facilities;

4. Create a central materials handling and distribution center to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness; and

5. Pay for furnishings, equipment, site improvements, land acquisition, and bond issuance costs.

If approved, the 9-year $387 million bond is estimated to cost approximately $0.61 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Actual rates may vary. An independent bond oversight committee, and annual audits, will help ensure funds are used as intended.[3]

Full text

The full text can be read here.

Support

Supporters

Officials

Political Parties

  • Multnomah Democrats

Arguments

  • Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson: "This is a chance to really grow the library system in a way that fosters that community [and] creates those opportunities that we know that libraries do so magically."
  • Perry Gardner, a library manager in Multnomah County: "The words opportunity, access, and possibility come to mind when I think of an iconic flagship in East County. ... The possibility of this flagship effort aligns with Multnomah County’s philosophy of equity and inclusion, which could help serve the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities."


Opposition

Ballotpedia did not identify committees, organizations, or individuals opposing the ballot measure. If you are aware of any opponents or opposing arguments, please send an email with a link to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Background

Multnomah County library system

As of 2020, the Multnomah County library system was the fourth busiest library system in the country. The county library budget for fiscal year 2021 was $92.2 million. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the library system was checking out approximately 17,000 items per day.[4]

The last vote to expand library space was in May 1996 when voters approved a $28 million bond.[1]

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing local ballot measures in Oregon

This measure was put on the ballot through a unanimous vote of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.[5]

See also

External links

Footnotes