Pasadena Library Special Tax Report Demonstrates Continued Accountability

The City of Pasadena has released the Fiscal Year 2024 Library Special Tax report from Tim McDonald, Director of Libraries and Information Services, documenting the maintenance, operation, enforcement, and administration of the City’s library system.

The report reveals that the Special Tax Fund collected $3,193,916 in total special tax revenue during the fiscal year. Starting with a balance of $72,959 on June 30, 2023, the fund ended with $196,715 on June 30, 2024, after expending $3,070,160 on library operations and maintenance.

The Service Projects funded by the Special Tax are ongoing on an annual basis.

The Library Special Tax, which finances maintenance and operation costs of the Pasadena Library System along with enforcement and administration costs, has maintained strong voter support since its inception. First passed in 1993 with 79.9% approval, the measure has been renewed three times — receiving 84% support in 1997, 80.4% in 2007, and most recently 84.6% approval in the November 8, 2022 General Municipal Election.

The report fulfills requirements under the Local Agency Special Tax and Bond Accountability Act of 2000 (Senate Bill 165), which was filed with the Secretary of State on September 19, 2000.

The Act, which applies to local special tax measures or local bond measures adopted on or after January 1, 2001, requires that voter-approved measures contain specific purpose statements and establish dedicated accounts for tax proceeds.

Some requirements are handled at the formation of the Special Tax District, while others are addressed through annual reports as specified under Sections 50075.1 and 53410 of the California Government Code.