El Cerrito’s financial mismanagement continues to frustrate residents, and two new tax measures—Measure G, which extends the 1% sales tax indefinitely, and a $300 “forever” library tax (yet to be assigned a ballot letter)—are the latest proposals that demand scrutiny. The city has repeatedly broken promises about spending tax dollars, such as diverting federal COVID bailout funds to cover overtime and other expenses instead of using the money to support the community, like maintaining the senior center.
Diverting Funds from Community Priorities
The federal bailout was meant to bolster critical services during the pandemic. Instead, El Cerrito prioritized unrelated expenses like overtime, while essential resources like the senior center were neglected. This raises a key question: Will Measure G and the library tax meet the same fate?
Lack of Transparency
The El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government pointed out that Measure R, another critical tax measure, hasn’t been reviewed by the Financial Advisory Board (FAB) for years, despite promises of oversight. Without transparency and active review, how can we trust that Measure G and the library tax funds will be used as promised?
A Broken Promise on the Horizon?
El Cerrito’s leadership has a history of relying on scare tactics and quick fixes instead of addressing long-term financial issues. Without clear oversight, it’s hard to believe the funds from Measure G or the library tax will be spent appropriately. Given the city’s track record, there’s no guarantee funds won’t be diverted for other purposes, as they were with COVID bailout money.
Accountability
Residents must demand better accountability before supporting these taxes. We need guarantees on how these funds will be used and insist on regular financial reviews by the FAB or other citizen oversight committees.
For concerns, contact: vote wisely
City Manager Karen Pinkos – kpinkos@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Councilmembers:
Tessa Rudnick – trudnick@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Lisa Motoyama – lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Paul Fadelli – pfadelli@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Carol Fyfe – cfyfe@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Jennifer Motoyama – jmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Think twice before supporting another “forever” tax that the city may misuse, while vital services remain underfunded.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 