Loomis Library reports rising use; poll shows strong support to renew local quarter‑cent sales tax

Sarah, the Loomis Library director, presented the library’s annual report for fiscal year 2022–23 and highlighted attendance, collection, partnerships and new services. She said the library now holds more than 15,000 items (adding roughly 2,848 items this year), circulated 41,890 items, and counts about 2,228 active member accounts with 860 new cards issued in the past year. The library logged approximately 195 programs with roughly 3,500 attendees and recorded about 700 volunteer hours for in-library tasks (Sarah said the true total is likely higher when outside partners are included).

Sarah described new or ongoing programs — a ‘ZipBooks’ purchase program funded by a state-library grant, digital services through Hoopla and Libby, story times including a special mini-horse visit, a demonstration garden groundbreaking with UC Master Gardeners, Girls Who Code relaunch, and regular partnerships with groups such as the Placer County Mosquito & Vector Control and the Placer County Genealogical Society.

FM3 Research consultant Kurt Balow presented polling that tested a hypothetical 75‑word ballot description of a quarter‑cent general sales-tax renewal (Measure F). Using outreach to registered voters by postcard, phone and online, Balow reported a 75% overall yes response in the snapshot survey and roughly 49% ‘definitely yes’ intensity. He said support was broad across age, party and visitation subgroups and that the measure as drafted would be a general tax (requiring a simple-majority 50%+1 threshold). He cautioned the council that because the tax is a general measure, future opponents may frame it as a general-revenue ‘blank check’ and that wording and timing should be carefully considered. The town manager said the poll was intended as a community 'pulse check' and that council would later decide whether to pursue placement on a 2024 or 2026 ballot.

During public comment, residents asked about the poll cost (reported at about $27,750), timing relative to the current tax’s April 2017 start and April 2027 sunset, and whether an advisory companion measure (used in 2016) should be re-employed. The presenter explained tradeoffs between a single general-tax measure (simple-majority threshold) and a two-measure approach (which can create legal and messaging complexities). The council did not place any measure on the ballot at the meeting; it directed staff to continue analysis and bring a formal recommendation later.

The council did not take a binding vote on the tax measure; the polling and the library report provide the factual basis for future decisions by the council about whether and when to place a renewal before voters.