El Cerrito’s Pool Repair Plans: Where Will the Money Come From?

El Cerrito has a long history of launching expensive projects before securing the funding—often counting on future taxes or one-time windfalls to fill the gaps. This approach has left the city with dwindling reserves, higher debt, and residents facing repeated tax proposals. The upcoming pool repair discussion fits that same troubling pattern.

On Tuesday, the El Cerrito City Council will discuss four costly options for repairing the city’s swimming pool—ranging from $970,000 for a basic replaster to nearly $4.8 million for a full-scope renovation.

Pool Repair Options at a Glance

Option	Scope	Cost	Pool Closure	Revenue Loss	Additional Work Duration
1	Replaster Only (Partial Scope)	$970,000	Up to 3 months (Jan–Mar 2026)	Up to $150,000	N/A
2	Replaster + Parking Lot ADA & Related Improvements (Partial Scope)	$2,311,000	Up to 3 months (Jan–Mar 2026)	Up to $150,000	Parking lot projects through May 2026
3	Replaster + Parking Lot ADA in FY 2025-26, Pool Deck & Interior ADA in FY 2026-27 (Full Scope)	$4,356,000	TBD per phase	TBD	Two fiscal years
4	Full Scope + Hybrid Deck in FY 2026-27	$4,752,000	TBD	TBD	One fiscal year

Even the least expensive option comes with a 3-month closure and an estimated $150,000 revenue loss. Higher-cost options extend the timeline and disruption.

But the big question remains: Where will the money come from?

El Cerrito has already drained considerable reserves in recent years, relying on one-time funds to plug recurring deficits. The city is not known for aggressively pursuing grants—even when outside funding could reduce taxpayer burden.

Perhaps this is why the city’s former leaders and city attorney have been pushing so hard for the proposed $75 million “forever tax” for a library—a project that might never be built as promised, or could arrive only after the city has already taken in money to plug budget gaps.

If the pool project moves forward at the higher price points, it could consume much of the city’s financial breathing room—assuming there’s any left. That leaves residents with a familiar concern: Will this council commit to real fiscal planning, or will they continue to push for new taxes to cover the gap?

The choice isn’t just about the pool—it’s about whether El Cerrito can manage its finances without repeatedly reaching into residents’ pockets.