1. Poll says sales tax increase for libraries not popular
October 17, 2015 - ridgecrestca.com
Hopes for proponents of a sales tax hike to support libraries in Kern County appear to be
slim, based on the results of a recent survey.
A Kern County survey of 600 residents shows that of those surveyed, support for a tax
increase for libraries falls well short of the two-thirds majority needed to raise the sales tax
in the county. In fact, only 45 percent of respondents indicated they would like the county
to spend more on animal shelters, health and human services, or county libraries. By
contrast, nearly 67 percent indicated they would like to see the county spend more on
roads.
In addition, a majority of those asked (52 percent) stated they support the count y
contracting with private companies to deliver public services.
“We’re gratified that even a random survey of Kern County residents shows a lack of
support for raising taxes for libraries in our county,” said Rachel Glauser, with Better
Libraries for Kern County. “The push by public employees and their advocates for higher
taxes is a non-starter with voters. We need to explore real solutions like bringing in private
sector expertise to greatly improve our library system.”
Better Libraries for Kern County is a coalition of Kern Taxpayers Association, Kern Citizens
for Sustainable Government, Kern County Home Builders Association, Off-Road Business
Association, Reason Foundation, Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and thousands of Kern
County Citizens who support Kern County Supervisors exploring a public-private partnership
for the operation of the county’s library system, and oppose raising taxes for libraries.