SANTA PAULA : Ballot Measure on Library Tax Urged

Santa Paula’s Library Commission has voted to recommend placing a tax measure before voters in November, 1993, to extend the hours of operation of the financially troubled Blanchard Community Library.

The commissioners will relay their recommendation next month to trustees of the Santa Paula Union High School District, who serve as the library’s governing board and have final say on whether to call for a vote.

The commission voted 5 to 0 this week to recommend asking voters to approve a yearly tax assessment of $15 to $25 for each of the about 7,000 parcels in the library district.

“The commission has felt that way for months, but we’ve spent months on figuring how much money is needed,” commission Chairman Gene Marzec said.

Officials slashed the library’s already small budget after $50,000 in state and county funds were withdrawn during the state and county budget crises this year.

Already limited to 18 hours of operation and open just three days a week, the Blanchard Community Library may be forced to close temporarily in July if it does not receive an advance on its funding from the county, Librarian Daniel O. Robles said.

The need for additional funds has increased since voters turned down a one-time $5 assessment two years ago, Marzec said. The measure lost despite the support of 57.4% of the voters, because a two-thirds majority was required.

If the library’s governing board places a $25-per-parcel tax measure on the ballot and voters approve it, the library’s hours could be extended to 40 hours a week, Marzec said.