Measure K — San Rafael, City of — Renew Library Services Parcel Tax
Measure K — San Rafael, City of — Renew Library Services Parcel Tax.San Rafael Library Protection Measure.To continue existing local library funding to maintain safe places for youth after school; book/ digital collections; children/adult programs; library hours and technology access, shall the City of San Rafael measure extending the library services parcel tax at $74.18 per parcel (with multifamily parcels adding $12.54 per unit, to a maximum of $1,259), generating approximately $1,267,000 annually for nine years, with senior exemptions, annual inflation adjustments, resident oversight and public disclosure, be adopted?YES Votes Required for the Measure to Pass: 2/3 of all the votes cast by eligible voters..IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS BY CITY ATTORNEYSAN RAFAEL LIBRARY PROTECTION MEASUREMEASURE KThe San Rafael City Council has placed this measure on the ballot. If approved by the voters, this measure would extend the existing Special Library Services Parcel Tax rate on residential and nonresidential parcels in San Rafael and align its senior exemption with San Rafael Municipal Code Section 3.42.020.H. San Rafael’ s existing Special Library Services Parcel Tax is set to expire on June 30, 2026. This measure would extend the parcel tax for an additional nine years starting with the 2026-2027 fiscal year.Under the existing Special Library Services Parcel Tax, the tax rate for single family residential parcels and nonresidential parcels is $74.18 per parcel per year. For multifamily residential parcels, the tax rate is $ 74.18 per parcel plus $12.54 per living unit to a maximum of $1258.68 per year. The measure would extend the tax rate, starting with the 2026-2027 fiscal year, in an amount equal to the annual percentage increase, if any, to the San Francisco -Oakland -San Jose Price Index for All Urban Consumers, but not to exceed 3% annually. The tax would be included on and payable with the property owner’ s Marin County property tax bill.Under the existing Special Library Services Parcel Tax, an owner of a single-family residential parcel, used solely for owner-occupied single family residential purposes who has attained, or will have attained, the age of 65 years of older prior to the July 1 of the tax year, may obtain an exemption from the Special Library Services Parcel Tax for the parcel upon approval of an application by such owner submitted to the Library Director. The measure modifies the exemption to include each individual in San Rafael who attains 65 years of age prior to July 1 of the tax year, owns a beneficial interest in the parcel, uses the parcel as their principal place of residence, and applies for such exemption on or before June 1st of each tax year.The measure would require that revenue generated be used locally to staff and provide, and maintain hours of operation, services, equipment, programs and materials at the San Rafael Public Library. The measure would require that the tax proceeds be placed into a separate account subject to an annual report by the City’s Finance Director. San Rafael’s Voter-Approved Tax Oversight Committee (VATOC) established by City Council Resolution No. 15118 currently reviews the collection and expenditure of the revenues derived from the existing Special Library Services Parcel Tax. The VATOC would continue to review the collection and expenditure of the revenues derived from the proposed measure, if passed.To become effective, this measure must be approved by two-thirds of the electors voting at the election.A YES vote approves the measure.A NO vote rejects the measure.s/Robert F. Epstein City Attorney of San RafaelARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE KVote YES on K to renew dedicated funding for San Rafael’s libraries without raising taxes.Measure K simply renews dedicated, locally controlled funding that has sustained local library operating hours, programs, and services for the past 16 years.Measure K funding represents nearly one-third of total funding for our libraries and 100% of library program funding.Without Measure K, dedicated library funding will expire this year. Deep cuts to local library operating hours and programs for young children, students, families, and older adults will be required.Our local libraries - including the Downtown Library, Pickleweed Library, and Northgate Library - are much more than buildings with books. Local libraries provide safe places for youth after school, space for tutoring and homework assistance, reading programs like story time for young children and access to books, computers, WiFi, and digital resources.By law, every penny from Measure K must stay in San Rafael to support local libraries only. No funds can be taken away or diverted.Voting Yes on K will continue to:• Provide safe places for youth after school• Maintain children’s book collections and reading programs• Protect public access to computers, technology help, and free WiFi• Preserve book and digital collections• Maintain the days and hours libraries are open• Continue programs that keep older adults active and independentVoting Yes on K also continues strict accountability protections:• All funds remain dedicated to local library services in San Rafael only• Public spending disclosure, an independent oversight committee, and independent audits are required• All funds must be spent locally and cannot be taken away by the state or federal government• Seniors remain eligible for an exemption and do not need to reapplyVote YES on K to protect access to libraries, safe places for local students, and critical programs - without raising taxes!KATE COLIN Mayor of San RafaelCOALITION OF SENSIBLE TAXPAYERS (C$T)JAN LATORRE-DERBY Ed. D., 50-year Educator and 30-year San Rafael ResidentSEAN PRENDIVILLE President, Friends of San Rafael LibraryTRACEY BROADMAN Voter Approved Tax Oversight Committee MemberARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE KNo argument against Measure K was filed.FULL TEXT OF MEASURE K:https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/elections/june-2-2026-statewide-direct-primary-election/information-about-measures-060226/list-measures-060226/measure-k-060226/measure-k-060226-full-textMore Info:https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/elections/june-2-2026-statewide-direct-primary-election/information-about-measures-060226/list-measures-060226/measure-k-060226https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/elections/june-2-2026-statewide-direct-primary-election/information-about-measures-060226/list-measures-060226
