Library Special Tax

The Library Special Tax is a voter approved tax on parcels of property in South Pasadena. It raises revenue that may only be used for the operation and maintenance of the South Pasadena Public Library. “Maintenance and operating costs” of the library are defined as "all reasonable and necessary costs expended or incurred by the city for maintaining and operating the library". The Special Tax revenue may not be used for major capital improvements.

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

Owners of residential and commercial properties in South Pasadena.

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

The Tax is not levied on:

• Individual property owners who have income, adjusted for family size, at or below eighty percent of the area median income as determined under the Section 8 Income Limits for Los Angeles County. 
• Property owned by government agencies.
• Property owned by tax-exempt houses of worship and charitable or community service organizations.
• Vacant properties.

Property owners with questions about exemptions based on the income limit criteria should contact Library Administration at 626-403-7330 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.

In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the tax will make up 19.65% percent of the Library's adopted budget. The Library's Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget is $2,143,978, and the total levy is $421,214.38.

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

The tax rates is calculated each year by applying the June Los Angeles Area Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) to a base tax rate established by voters in 2015. The CPI-U is established and published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

The Tax was first adopted by voters in 1994, and was renewed in 1999, 2005, 2009, and 2015. On November 8, 2022 voters extended the tax to remain in effect until terminated by the voters. The Tax has historically had strong support from voters, as shown in the table below.

For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

The Tax does not expire, but a majority of voters in a future municipal election may vote to terminate it (City Ord. No. 2373, §1, 2022).

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For more information see the South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance, SPMC Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.
Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7352 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.

The South Pasadena Library Special Tax Ordinance can be viewed in full here. (South Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2.89.) 

Questions? Please contact Library Administration at 626-403-7330 or library@southpasadenaca.gov.