Item 2D: Resolution Placing Library Local Option Levy on Ballot

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Adoption of Resolution 4868 Calling a City Election on November 7, 2006, for the Purpose of Referring to the Legal Electors of the City of Eugene a Measure Authorizing a Four-Year Local Option Levy for the Funding of Library Operations Meeting Date: May 8, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 2D Department: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Staff Contact: Connie Bennett www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5363 ISSUE STATEMENT The council is asked to approve a resolution placing the renewal of the Library Local Option Levy on the November ballot. BACKGROUND On July 29, 1998, the council voted to place the Library Local Option Levy on the November 1998 ballot. The levy was for $2,190,000 per year ($0.28 per $1000 of assessed value or $39 per average taxpayer per year) for four years. Voters approved the levy by a 64% vote on November 3, 1998. The levy expired on June 30, 2003. On February 22, 2002, the council voted to place renewal of the Library Local Option Levy on the May 21, 2002 ballot. The levy renewal was for $19.6 million over four years, or $4.9 million per year ($0.50 per $1000 of assessed value for a typical taxpayer). The measure was approved by 56% of voters participating in the May election. The levy will expire on June 30, 2007. On November 16, 2005, the council held a work session on sequencing of financial measures to be presented to the voters. The council approved a tentative election schedule that included presenting a Library Local Option Levy renewal to the voters in November 2006. In work session on April 12, 2006, the council directed the City Manager to prepare a measure for the November 7, 2006, general election ballot to fund library services with a tax rate of $0.41 per $1000 of assessed value, and bring the proposed ballot measure to the council for consideration on the Consent Calendar for May 8. Financial and/or Resource Considerations Library services are funded both in the General Fund and the Library Local Option Levy Fund. In FY06, the General Fund portion of the library budget is $4.5 million, or 46% of the total, and the Local Option Levy portion is $5.3 million, or 53%. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060508\S0605082D.doc