Pasadena Council to Consider Finalizing Ballot Measures for November Election

In a special session Monday, the Pasadena City Council is poised to make final decisions on several key ballot measures for the November 5 municipal election. The Council will consider resolutions to submit propositions on a library bond, term limits and significant changes to City governance structures to voters.

The centerpiece is a $195 million bond measure to fund extensive renovations to the City’s 97-year-old Central Library. If approved by voters, the measure would levy an average annual tax rate of $19.60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed and an estimated highest tax rate of $28.90 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating an average of $12 million annually for the project.

“Shall the measure to earthquake retrofit the 97-year-old library building; meet current fire safety regulations; replace the leaky roof; remove asbestos/mold/lead paint; update outdated technology; restore Pasadena Central Library services… be adopted?” the proposed ballot language reads.

The library measure aims to address critical safety and structural issues. City documents indicate the funds would be used for earthquake retrofitting, fire safety upgrades, roof replacement, hazardous material removal and technology modernization.

The measure’s passage threshold depends on a state proposition. If California voters approve Proposition 5 on November 5, the library bond would need a 55% majority to pass. Without Proposition 5’s approval, it would require a two-thirds majority.

In addition to the library bond, the Council will consider three charter amendment measures addressing City governance. One would require special elections to fill Council vacancies if two or more years remain in the term or if the Council fails to appoint a replacement within 75 days.

This measure would also establish a 30-day City residency requirement for appointed officials and include provisions relating to campaign contribution limits. Another proposed amendment would change the timing of the vice mayor’s election to December and create an “acting mayor” position to fill mayoral vacancies.

A third measure would implement term limits for the first time in Pasadena’s history. It would restrict the mayor and Council members to three consecutive terms, with the possibility of two additional terms after a four-year hiatus.

The Council will also consider an ordinance related to the library bond measure. Additionally, they will be asked to find that the proposed actions are not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

City staff estimate the cost to print and mail voter information pamphlets on all six proposed City measures at $125,000. This is in addition to the roughly $80,000 per measure to place them on the ballot, according to Los Angeles County estimates.

The compressed agenda and special meeting timing reflect the need to finalize these ballot issues well ahead of election deadlines.

The special meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29, at Pasadena City Hall. The agenda notes that public comment will be accepted both in-person and via videoconference, with Spanish translation services available.