Voters in San Rafael will decide this spring whether to renew a parcel tax that supports library services.

The San Rafael City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to place the measure on the June 2 ballot. The measure needs a two-thirds majority in favor to pass.

The measure would renew Measure D, which collects around $1.2 million annually and is set to expire June 30. The existing tax is $72.02 per house. Apartment and condominium complexes pay a rate of $72.02 plus $12.18 per dwelling, up to a maximum of $1,222.02 per parcel.

The tax would increase to $74.18 per house starting July 1. The multifamily rate would be $74.18 plus $12.54 per dwelling. The nine-year term includes 3% annual increases.

“The library services and programs that are supported by Measure D provide our community with so much more than just books,” Quffa said. “Books are obviously very important … but it’s really about access to knowledge, to technology, to learning and literacy, to enriching experiences, to social interaction and to safe spaces for children and families.”

“The libraries have become a single-source spot for many older adults for direction and guidance of services,” said Vice Mayor Rachel Kertz.

“I have young children and I will testify that they are frequent users of our library system, and so for those personas and teens, this is very important to maintain that level of service,” Councilmember Eli Hill said.

The San Rafael Public Library has three branches: downtown, Pickleweed and Northgate. It operates with about 21 staffers on a $5 million budget.

To read more or listen online, visit the Marin IJ.