In a move to bolster community-supported library services, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to place a library funding measure on the upcoming November election ballot. Announced for the general election on November 5, 2024, this resolution calls for a tax increase to support the Davis Library Community Facilities District's efforts in maintaining operations and enhancing library facilities. The proposed hike is $49 per single family parcel, and $24.50 per multifamily parcel, with a possible 2% annual adjustment. This is aimed at providing a consistent source of revenue for the sustainable functioning of the Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch Library and the upcoming Walnut Park Library in South Davis.
According to a June 26 report by Yolo County, Lucas Frerichs, Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, recognized local libraries as vital hubs of community. "When I visit Yolo County library branches in the City of Winters, Yolo, Clarksburg, and elsewhere in the county, it’s clear they serve as hubs for the community" Frerichs remarked. Highlighting federal, state, county, and city collaboration, the board champions this funding initiative as a significant stride towards addressing capacity woes at the existing Mary L. Stephens Library and expanding services to accommodate a growing community.
The anticipated Walnut Park Library, set to be at 2700 Lillard Drive, is strategically placed to serve a community with a high demand for English as a Second Language programs and a substantial population of free and reduced-price lunch recipients. The location was chosen with consideration for those who are challenged in accessing the Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library due to the barrier posed by Interstate 80. In anticipation of breaking ground later this year, the library is expected to open its doors in 2026, bringing with it enhanced services accessible to all Yolo County residents.
The construction of the Walnut Park Library has been fully funded through a combination of state grants, federal, and local contributions, including those secured by Congressman Mike Thompson and the City of Davis. This library will host a community room, specialized collections for all ages, and youth-focused spaces, deemed essential for the county's educational and cultural development. In light of these developments, Jim Provenza, Yolo Honda County District 4 Supervisor, highlighted the practical side of the proposed tax consumption. "The initial annual tax increase of $49 per year would result in an increase to monthly property tax bills of only around $4 per month for a single-family home" Provenza stated, stressing that the increase is a small yet significant step towards enriched library services.
Voters residing within the CFD are tasked with deciding the fate of the tax measure, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The current $120.80 tax rate for single-family homes and $60.39 per unit for multi-family homes, established in 1989 and last revised in 2007, falls short of the financial needs required to sustain and operate the libraries effectively. If ratified by the electorate, this new measure will see to it that participants in Yolo County's educational and civic dialogues have spaces that are not merely adequate but are beacons of community and learning. Detailed information on the proposed changes is available via the Board of Supervisor's meeting records from meetings held on May 21, 2024 and June 25, 2024, at the county's official website.
