A tax measure to fund the struggling Contra Costa County (Calif.) Library was rejected by voters a third time June 2. Measure A, which would have raised $9.6 million for the county system as well as $1 million for the independent library in Richmond, got 64.3% of the vote, just short of the two-thirds needed to pass, reported the San Francisco Chronicle June 4.
The Chronicle said the defeat leaves the 23-branch system next-to-last in per-capita spending among the Bay Area's 37 library systems. The sales tax was instrumental to a deal between the county and cities to retain the system's current structure while delegating some powers to five regional commissions. The measure's failure means the plan must now be abandoned, reviving fears that cities may secede from the county system.
The Chronicle said supporters promised to try again, perhaps in November.
Posted June 8, 1998.