The Lassen Library District Board of Trustees has placed Measure Z on the November 3rd, ballot, asking Susanville voters to increase the district’s local operating tax to sustain day-to-day library operations and avoid depleting its financial reserves.
If approved by voters, Measure Z would increase the existing special tax from $28 per year to $50 per year on each habitable dwelling unit within the incorporated limits of the City of Susanville, an increase of $22 per year effective July 1st, 2027.
According to Lassen Library District Library Director Heather Blevins, the library’s operating tax rate has remained unchanged since voters originally created the special district in November 1994. Over the past 32 years, rising inflation alongside increasing costs for staffing, collections, technology, utilities, insurance and facility maintenance have steadily outpaced revenues.
In recent years, annual operating expenses have exceeded operating income, forcing the district to rely on reserve funds to balance the budget and maintain existing service levels.
“While these reserves have allowed the library to continue operating, they are limited and are also meant to be an important resource for major equipment or facility needs and unforeseen expenses,” Blevins explained.
Current financial projections indicate that if operating deficits continue at their current rate, the district’s reserves will likely be depleted by January 31st, 2027. Because of tightening finances, several planned expenditures have already been postponed indefinitely, including technology upgrades needed to keep public computers and network infrastructure up to date, repaving the parking lot, and addressing other health and safety-related maintenance.
Neither the City of Susanville nor Lassen County provides financial support for general operations; the Lassen Library District is an independent special district solely responsible for its own budget and operations.
While patrons may have noticed recent construction activity at the library, Blevins noted that those projects are funded through the California State Library’s “Building Forward: Library Infrastructure Improvements” Grant. By law, these and other state, local, or private grants are legally restricted to designated purposes—such as facility improvements, literacy programs, or ESL tutoring—and cannot be used to pay for routine day-to-day operations like staff salaries, books, utilities, or operating supplies.
If approved, revenue from Measure Z would be dedicated to supporting ongoing library operations and services, which include:
- Maintaining open library hours
- Preserving and updating collections of books and digital materials
- Supporting children’s, teen, and adult community programs
- Providing public internet access, computer equipment, and updated technology
- Maintaining the district’s facility and equipment
- Supporting library staffing
Should the measure fail at the polls, the library will continue operating with existing revenue sources for as long as possible while the Board of Trustees explores significant budget adjustments. The board would evaluate potential reductions in operating expenses and reductions to library services through its regular public meeting process.
The special tax applies to habitable dwelling units—including single-family homes, duplex units, mobile home lots in established parks, apartments, condominiums, and live-in motel/hotel manager units—and is collected through Lassen County property tax bills. For renters, the fee is paid by the property owner through property taxes; county residents living outside the city limits pay the annual fee directly if they choose to obtain or renew a library card.
Community members can review official ballot materials and fiscal analyses provided by the county elections office, attend upcoming public board meetings, or contact the Lassen Library District directly for further details. The circulation desk can be reached at 1.530.251.8127, the business office at 1.530.257.8113, or online at lassenlibrary.org.
