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Santa Monica library board votes to study dedicated revenue options, creates ad hoc committee
Summary
The Santa Monica Public Library Board voted unanimously to create an ad hoc committee to study possible dedicated funding sources—drawing on models such as Pasadena’s—citing polling costs, ballot thresholds and a tight outreach timeline. The board approved the motion 4-0 and Chair Newman said she will appoint members to the committee.
The Santa Monica Public Library Board voted 4-0 to create an ad hoc committee to study potential new revenue sources for the library, including models used by other California cities.
Board members discussed the Pasadena approach—where tailored polling and ballot language were central to shaping public support—and emphasized that custom polling can be costly. A board member said polling in Pasadena involved multiple surveys that cost “tens of thousands” of dollars, and members warned that Santa Monica has limited time to build a coalition and finalize ballot language before an election cycle.
Board members noted the difference between a citizen-led initiative, which would require a simple majority (50%+1) in Santa Monica, and a measure placed on the ballot by the City Council, which would require a two-thirds vote. The discussion covered options for partnering with other local groups, including school-related coalitions, and questions about what baseline funding level the library would seek to restore.
The motion to establish a ‘‘library revenues ad hoc committee’’ passed by roll call with all four voting members recorded as "yes." Chair Newman said she will appoint members to the ad hoc committee and the board discussed next steps including identifying polling opportunities the city might already be planning to leverage.
Votes at a glance - Motion to establish a library revenues ad hoc committee: Motion passed, vote 4-0 (Chair Newman, Vice Chair Lynn, Member Cody, Member Spears: yes). Motion language: create an ad hoc committee to study potential new revenue sources for the Santa Monica Public Library. The transcript records the motion and the unanimous roll-call vote; specific committee appointees were to be named by the chair.
What happens next The committee will study funding options, outreach needs and cost estimates for polling and community engagement; board members indicated a one-year runway would be a reasonable planning target if the committee pursues a ballot measure. The board did not set a public deadline for the committee’s recommendations at the meeting.
