HomeMy WebLinkAbout14269RESOLUTION NO. 14269
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE BALLOT MEASURE TO
CONTINUE THE PUEBLO CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT’S
MILL LEVY TO BE DECIDED BY THE ELIGIBLE ELECTORS OF
PUEBLO COUNTY AT THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
NOVEMBER 5,2019
WHEREAS, the Pueblo City-County Library (hereinafter "Library") is a duly organized
and existing library district under the Constitution and laws of the State of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, the Library is a source of great community pride, being named America's
Best Library, a national Four-Star Library, and recipient of the prestigious 2018 National Medal
for Museum and Library Services; and
WHEREAS, the Library is a community gathering place dedicated to literacy and
reading, lifelong learning, and free and open access to information, and is an admired and
critical community asset; and
WHEREAS, in the year 2018 alone, the Library welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors
to local libraries, who checked out nearly 2.4 million books and logged onto library computers
and digital resources such as e-books approximately 2.5 million times, and 428,373 of whom
participated in library-sponsored cultural and educational events and programs; and
WHEREAS, the Library develops and provides special programs for kids that help them
read, learn to think and be entertained in a positive, productive way; and
WHEREAS, it is important to ensure our local libraries continue to be community
gathering spaces, open to everyone at no charge, providing safe places to go and read or use
free Internet service; and
WHEREAS, the Library will add evermore of the newest best-selling and classic books
and movies available for free to the public; and
WHEREAS, the Library provides increasing services to our aging population; and
WHEREAS, the Library is evolving to offer new technology such as e-books, movies,
and audiobooks that can be downloaded for free on a smart phone or electronic reading device;
and
WHEREAS, it is important to keep our libraries refreshed and renovated as comfortable
places for reading, studying, and learning; and
WHEREAS, a 0.603 mill rate for local libraries expires this year; and
WHEREAS, the Library is asking voters to continue the property taxes for library
services at slightly less than the current overall rate; and
WHEREAS, if approved by the voters, the Library mill levy rate will be actually slightly
less than the current levy for local libraries; and
WHEREAS, this question will be presented to the voters of Pueblo County at the
coordinated election to be conducted on November 5, 2019, in accordance with the
provisions of the laws of the State of Colorado; NOW,THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
SECTION 1.
It is in the public interest to continue and renew the mill levy rate for the Library in order
for it to carry out its mission to the benefit of the people of this community; and, therefore,
citizens are urged to vote "Yes" on the Library referendum on November 5, 2019.
SECTION 2.
This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon final passage.
INTRODUCED August 12, 2019
BY: Ray Aguilera
MEMBER OF CITY COUNCIL
APPROVED:
PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL
ATTESTED BY:
CITY CLERK
City Clerk’s Office Item # Q-1
Background Paper for Proposed
Resolution
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 12, 2019
TO: President Dennis E. Flores and Members of City Council
VIA: Brenda Armijo, City Clerk
CC: Mayor Nicholas A. Gradisar
FROM: Councilmember Ray Aguilera
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE BALLOT MEASURE TO CONTINUE THE
PUEBLO CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT’S MILL LEVY TO BE DECIDED BY
THE ELIGIBLE ELECTORS OF PUEBLO COUNTY AT THE ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON NOVEMBER 5,2019
SUMMARY:
Attached is a proposed Resolution in support of the ballot measure to continue the Library
District’s mill levy. The ballot measure will be decided at the November 5, 2019 coordinated
election.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
Not applicable to this Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
The Library District is a source of great community pride, being named America's Best Library,
a national Four-Star Library, and recipient of the prestigious 2018 National Medal for Museum
and Library Services. In the year 2018 alone, the Library District welcomed more than 1.3 million
visitors to local libraries, who checked out nearly 2.4 million books and logged onto library
computers and digital resources such as e-books approximately 2.5 million times. In 2018,
428,373 residents participated in library-sponsored cultural and educational events and
programs.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
A 0.603 mill rate for local libraries expires this year and the Library District is asking voters to
continue the property taxes for library services at slightly less than the current overall rate. If
approved by the voters, the Library District’s mill levy rate will be actually slightly less than the
current levy for local libraries.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable.
STAKEHOLDER PROCESS:
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could remain neutral and not recommend approval or rejection of the Library
District’s ballot measure.
RECOMMENDATION:
Not applicable.