Pacifica, California, Library Bond Issue, Measure N (November 2016)
| Measure N: Pacifica Library Bond Issue |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 8, 2016 |
| Status: |
 DefeatedMajority required: 66.67% |
| Topic: |
| City bonds |
| Related articles |
| City bonds on the ballot November 8, 2016 ballot measures in California San Mateo County, California ballot measures |
| See also |
| Pacifica, California |
A bond issue was on the ballot for Pacifica voters in San Mateo County, California, on November 8, 2016. It was defeated.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of issuing $33.5 million in bonds to build a new library. |
| A no vote was a vote against issuing $33.5 million in bonds to build a new library. |
A two-thirds (66.67%) vote was required for the approval of this measure.
Election results
| Measure N | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| No | 8,628 | 45.42% | ||
| Yes | 10,368 | 54.58% | ||
- Election results from San Mateo County Elections Office
Text of measure
Ballot question
The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]
| “ |
To build a new Library that will eliminate building deficiencies like leaky roofs and deteriorating electrical wiring; improve earthquake/fire safety and disability access; enable modern computer technology and internet access; and provide safe spaces and study areas for teens and children seven days a week; shall the City of Pacifica issue $33,500,000 in general obligation bond subject to financial audits and citizens' oversight? |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Pacifica City Attorney:
| “ |
If adopted by the voters, Measure N would authorize the City of Pacifica ("City") to issue general obligation bonds in a maximum amount of $33,500,00 to design and construct a new public library. Measure N was placed on the ballot by the City Council of the City of Pacifica. General obligation bonds are a form of municipal indebtedness used to finance public improvements are are authorized by the California Constitution and Government Code sections 43600 and 43506 et seq. They allow long term borrowing by cities to raise money for real property acquisition and improvements. The City Council determines how to issue general obligation bonds including the date of maturity and denomination of the bonds. Once the bonds are issued the City must repay the amount borrowed plus interest. This repayment is secured by an ad valorem property tax levied on all taxable property in the City. General obligation bonds may only be issued if at least two-thirds of those voting in a municipal election approve a bond measure like Measure N. Measure N limits the principal amount of the bonds to no more than $33,500,000 and provides that interest on the bonds shall not exceed 8% per year. The best estimate of the tax rate required to fund this bond issue the year after the first bonds are issued is $17.84 per $100,000 of assessed valuation in the year 2017-18. Proceeds of the bonds may only be used for the design and construction of a new public library. Measure N includes accountability requirements, including the bond proceeds shall be deposited into a separate account created and held by the City, and that the chief fiscal officer of the City shall file an annual report showing the amount of bond proceeds collected and expended and tht status of the library project. Measure N would also require the City Council to establish and appoint members to an oversight committee, which would have responsibility for reviewing and reporting on the expenditure of the bond proceeds, and to seek input from the public regarding the scope and design of the library. In order to pass, Measure N must receive two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the ballots cast. A "yes" vote would be in favor of authorizing the City to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $33,500,000 for the purpose of designing and constructing a new public library. A "no" vote would be against authorizing the City to issue such bonds.[2] |
” |
| —Pacifica City Attorney[1] | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[1]
- Caroline Barba, Co-President, Pacifica Friends of the Library
- Allan Hale, Former Wars Commander
- Mary K. Bier, Pacifica Collaborative
- Matthew G. Lee, Pacifica Business Owner
- Nicole J. Ortega, Pacifica Parent Volunteer
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[1]
| “ |
Vote Yes on N to strengthen local Pacifica library services that serve our entire community including children, teens, families, and seniors. Students count on the library as a safe place to finish homework and stay out of trouble after school. For those without Internet access at home, libraries are crucial for 21st century education and to stay connected, engaged, and informed. For nearly 15% of San Mateo County residents below basic levels of literacy, libraries are invaluable to learn to read and write, apply for jobs, and contribute to our workforce. Yet Pacifica's two outdated and understaffed libraries cannot meet our community's demand. Our libraries - built over 35 years ago - have leaky roofs, moldy walls, outdated computer technology, and inadequate seismic and fire safety systems. Additionally, our libraries are only open part of the week and closed on Sundays. Measure N supports one central library, open seven days a week - including weekends and after school - strengthening this community resource. Vote Yes on N: Our Library, Our Pacifica
A Responsible Plan for Pacifica
Join us: Vote Yes on N. Let's provide Pacifica the safe, modern library we need and deserve. |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[1]
- John Keener, City Council Member
- Margaret Goodale, Climate Committee member
- Tonia Boykin, Business Owner
- Dan Stegink, www.Pacifica.city website founder
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[1]
| “ |
The bond measure to build the library will be at least $58 million, including interest. It will be funded by an increase in property taxes. Unlike parcel taxes, there will be no exemption for seniors. Many of us support a new library, just not on Beach Blvd., property. We all witnessed the damage to Beach Blvd. retaining wall and promenade this past winter. As time goes on, the risks of flooding and sea level rise increase. Why construct a publicly funded building that is potentially in harm's way? Some of us want to keep the Sanchez library open. It serves nearly half of Pacifica's population including young children, students, and seniors. The Sanchez Library will be demolished and the property sold to help finance the new library. How will kids and seniors who do not drive get to the new library? Please, vote NO on this library bond issue. |
” |
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing officials of Pacifica, California.
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Pacifica City bonds. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
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