Why El Cerrito Residents Should Question the New Library Tax

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El Cerrito residents will once again be asked to approve a new tax—this time to fund a library at the Plaza BART station. The campaign is framed as a grassroots effort to promote education and community investment. But behind the glossy messaging lies a troubling pattern of fiscal mismanagement, political maneuvering, and a lack of transparency.

At the center of the campaign is former Mayor and Councilmember Greg Lyman, now serving as Chair of the Committee for a Plaza Station Library. While the initiative presents itself as community-driven, it’s critical to understand Lyman’s track record—and what’s being asked of voters today.

From AA- to BBB-: A Fiscal Decline Under Greg Lyman’s Watch

In Lyman’s early tenure, El Cerrito had a respectable AA- credit rating. By the time he left public office, that rating had fallen to BBB-, the lowest investment grade rating available. The decline wasn’t arbitrary—it was the result of years of unchecked spending, depleted reserves, and failure to address long-term liabilities like pensions and retiree healthcare.

Between 2010 and 2020, El Cerrito’s leadership pushed for and secured three major tax increases:

  • 2010 – Measure R: A half-cent sales tax
  • 2014 – Additional 1% sales tax increase
  • 2018 – Measure V: Real Property Transfer Tax

Each measure was marketed as a tool to improve services. The reality?

  • The Senior Center was permanently closed
  • Core city services were cut or diminished
  • The city’s financial health worsened, not improved

According to the FY 2020 audit, El Cerrito’s General Fund balance was negative $110,021, and the independent auditor issued a rare and serious warning:

“These conditions raise substantial doubt about [the city’s] ability to continue as a going concern.”

The State Auditor eventually intervened, placing El Cerrito on the official “high-risk” list for mismanagement.

A New Tax—With Even Less Accountability

Now, Lyman is leading a new charge—this time to put a library tax measure on the 2026 ballot. But unlike previous taxes requiring two-thirds voter approval, this campaign is pursuing a “citizens’ initiative” that would require only a simple majority (50% plus one vote). It’s a legal workaround designed to avoid the higher threshold required for special taxes.

Even Councilmember William Ktsanes admitted at a recent event that this was a “smart” strategy. But what’s smart for insiders isn’t always right for the community. This approach lowers the bar for approval—at the expense of public accountability.

And timing matters. To qualify for the 2026 ballot, the measure must be placed on a City Council agenda soon. That’s why voters are seeing increased pressure to support the proposal before full financial details are disclosed.

Questions That Still Haven’t Been Answered

The library may be a worthwhile goal—but the process being used to fund it is deeply flawed. Voters should not be asked to say “yes” without answers to the following:

  • What is the full cost of the library—including construction, interest, and long-term maintenance?
  • Why does El Cerrito need a Barnes & Noble-sized library? Why can’t a smaller footprint work?
  • What other costs besides the library are included in this proposed increase?
  • Why should residents trust the same officials and advisors who led the city into a fiscal crisis?

We’ve Been Here Before—And We Can’t Afford to Repeat It

El Cerrito’s past financial missteps weren’t accidents. They were the result of deliberate choices, inadequate oversight, and misplaced priorities. The current library tax effort shows signs of the same playbook: promoting a feel-good project, avoiding clear cost disclosures, and securing just enough support to pass the measure before the public catches on.

Residents have every right to demand fiscal transparency, detailed planning, and honest leadership before saying yes to another tax.

Speak Up Before the Decision Is Made for You

If you care about the future of El Cerrito’s finances—and the integrity of its decision-making—now is the time to act. Contact your City Council and ask them to demand answers before advancing this measure to the ballot.

City Council Contacts:

Sources State Auditor, El Cerrito website

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