HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.29.2024 Board Correspondence - FW_ CFOL Endorses Measure H.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening
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From:Clerk of the Board
To:Bennett, Robin; Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan;
Kimmelshue, Tod; Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth; Jessee, Meegan; Denlay, Keaton
Cc:Nevers, Dawn
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: CFOL Endorses Measure H
Date:Monday, September 30, 2024 3:54:46 PM
Please see Board Correspondence -
From: Chico Friends of the Library <chico@chicofriendsofthelibrary.ccsend.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2024 2:44 PM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: CFOL Endorses Measure H
Dear CFOL Friend:
Thank you to those of you who responded to our last email, either by attending our
September 17th meeting to discuss Measure H, or by sending us your opinion via
email.
At the meeting, after much discussion, the CFOL Board voted to support Measure H
both by endorsing it and providing financial support.
Our guests at the meeting also included Butte County Chief Administrative Officer
Andy Pickett, and Brandon Slater from the pro-Measure H Campaign. Their
presentation included the following points:
· Butte County’s per capita tax revenue is among the lowest in California.
· The county’s tax revenue now comes primarily from property taxes, which
have been limited by Prop. 13 at a lower level than most other counties.
· By law, sales tax money from Measure H will go to the county’s General
Fund, which supports public safety departments, including the Sheriff’s Office
and Fire, and the Library.
· For a tax to specifically benefit the Library alone, a 2/3 majority of voter
approval would be necessary. For the present proposal (benefitting the
General Fund), a majority of 50% + 1 is needed.
· The General Fund money is always part of the county’s year-to-year budget.
They are now preparing a 2025-2026 budget draft based on the hope that
Measure H passes, and the draft includes stabilization of the library’s hours
and staffing levels.
· A sales tax, of course, affects everyone, and perhaps affects the most, those
who have the least. The point was made that sales tax does not apply to
food, prescription medication, rent, or utilities.
· Butte County Counsel has reviewed the laws regarding non-profits (like
CFOL) and our Bylaws, and concluded there is no obstacle to CFOL
endorsing Measure H.
· If Measure H fails, the county is predicting dire consequences for ALL the
affected departments including the Library as well as the public safety
departments.
The CFOL Board recognizes that among our members, there are some who will
oppose Measure H. With acknowledgement of that, and despite that Measure H
may not be ideal, the Board majority voted to endorse and contribute to the Yes on
Measure H Campaign, as being the only foreseeable avenue to keep our library
(and the others in Butte County) safe from significant cuts in services.
Should you wish to add your individual endorsement of Measure H, please go to the
campaign website, https://www.yesonhbuttecountystrong.org/get-involved.
Pressing the “Endorse” icon opens a sign-up list with an option for “Name of
Organization Endorsing.” It’s helpful to CFOL if you mention there, that you are a
CFOL member and library supporter.
Thank you for being a CFOL member!
Chico Friends of the Library | PO Box 6952 | Chico, CA 95927 US
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