Why This El Cerrito Homeowner Is Voting No on the $75 Million Library Tax Petition

Informed by a Concerned Citizen, Homeowner, and Democrat

Last month, El Cerrito residents received a city-sponsored “message test” poll about a proposed library tax. But rather than inform the public, the survey seemed more like a carefully crafted sales pitch. A closer look reveals that the proposal is less about building a library and more about subsidizing the El Cerrito Plaza BART housing development. Here are 9 reasons this El Cerrito homeowner is voting no:

1. The True Cost Is $75 Million, Not $21 Million
Although the city claims it’s building a $21 million library, the actual cost to taxpayers is projected at $75 million over 30 years, the majority of which will go toward interest payments—not materials, programs, or community services.

2. The $1/year Lease Is Misleading
While officials tout a $1-per-year lease for the library space, they fail to mention that taxpayers are prepaying $21 million in construction costs to secure it. That equates to $2.5 million in taxes each year for a space the city doesn’t even own.

3. Homeowners Will Pay an Estimated $7,650+ Over Time
The proposed 17¢ per square foot parcel tax means the typical El Cerrito homeowner would pay $288 in the first year, or more than $7,650 over 30 years—not including annual inflation adjustments. Those with larger homes will pay significantly more.

4. Longtime Seniors Face Steep Tax Hikes
Because this is a parcel tax (not based on assessed value), longtime homeowners—especially seniors who bought their homes decades ago—could see their property tax bills increase by 12% or more.

5. Each Book Checkout Could Cost $28.50
Factoring in the $75 million tax and the $820,000 annual operating subsidy from Contra Costa County, library spending could reach $3.3 million per year. With only around 118,000 checkouts annually, the city could end up spending $28.50 per book—and that’s based on optimistic usage numbers.

6. Faster, Cheaper Options Exist
Contrary to the city’s claims, this is not the cheapest path forward. There are multiple vacant retail spaces—such as the old Barnes & Noble at El Cerrito Plaza or locations on San Pablo—that could house a library at a fraction of the cost and be operational much sooner.

7. This Proposal Acts as a Bailout for the Plaza BART Project
The El Cerrito City Council committed to a high number of below-market-rate units at the Plaza BART site—far beyond what state law requires. The result? A development that isn’t financially viable. To compensate, the city is using taxpayer money—under the guise of a library project—to subsidize the developer, Related Companies.

8. The City Is Using a Loophole to Bypass Voter Thresholds
City leaders know a tax of this size would likely fail to meet the two-thirds voter approval normally required. So they’re backing what they claim is a “citizen-led initiative” to place it on the ballot—where it only needs a simple majority. It’s a strategic workaround, but one that undermines public trust.

9. City-Funded Campaigning Is Over the Line
El Cerrito has reportedly spent nearly $100,000 on polling and message testing to promote this tax. That kind of political spending typically comes from campaign committees or PACs—not the general fund. The use of taxpayer dollars for promotional efforts is deeply concerning.

The Bottom Line:
This proposal does not prioritize the community’s best interests. There are more affordable, efficient ways to deliver a modern library to El Cerrito residents. Unfortunately, those alternatives don’t support the city’s hidden agenda: propping up a struggling real estate development. This homeowner is voting no—and encourages others to take a closer look before signing.

What do you think?
Are there other red flags the public should be aware of?
📣 Speak up, get informed, and share with your neighbors.