Why Are We Calling It a “Library Initiative”?

Understanding What’s Actually Being Proposed in El Cerrito

In recent months, El Cerrito residents have increasingly heard about a “library initiative.” The term sounds straightforward — a voter measure dedicated to building and supporting a new public library. But here’s the issue:

📌 There is no specific proposed legislation focused solely on library services currently in the public domain.

Instead, what is being discussed behind the scenes — and promoted publicly — is a parcel tax that could be used for a variety of purposes. A new library building may be one of those purposes… but it is not the only one. And no publicly available draft measure limits funds to the library exclusively.

So, why are we being asked to think of this as a library initiative?

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What We Do Know: A Parcel Tax Is Under Consideration

One version of the proposal circulating suggests:

🔹 Tax structure

• $0.17 per square foot of improved property
• A special tax, meaning it is not based on property value
• Administration by the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector

🔹 Annual inflation increases

The City Council could raise the tax each year without voter approval.
This means costs will grow automatically year over year.

🔹 Estimated impact on homeowners

• ≈ $288 per year for an average-sized home in Year 1
• Significantly higher in later years due to inflation adjustments

🔹 Limited exemptions

Qualifying seniors may be exempt under:

• Senior Citizens Homeowners and Renters Property Tax Assistance Law
• Senior Citizens Property Tax Postponement Law

These exemptions are not automatic and require qualifications that not all seniors meet.

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Where Would the Money Go?

That’s the biggest concern.

The City could designate the tax for:

• A new library
• Public safety
• Infrastructure
• Parks
• BART-related housing or other development

In other words:
📌 The funding would benefit general city priorities — not necessarily the library.

Even the city’s own website states the project is “for City Council and voter consideration,” signaling that nothing is guaranteed.

Meanwhile…

• The City loaned $350,000 of taxpayer funds to a developer connected with the project.
• The project is actively advertised on the City’s website, despite claims that the City is not involved.

This contradiction raises a fair question:

If the City isn’t involved, why are taxpayer dollars and City resources supporting the effort?

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Important Financial Considerations

Concern	What It Means for Residents
Annual Inflation Increases	The tax becomes more expensive every single year
Disproportionate Impact	Owners of modest or longtime homes may pay more relative to property value
Long-term Cost	Tax burden could reach tens of thousands over the life of the measure
Bond Subsidies	Funds could potentially support developers rather than just public facilities

This isn’t about opposing investment in our community.
It’s about making sure voters get the whole picture before being asked to approve another tax.

Why This Matters

El Cerrito residents have already watched past tax measures shift direction after approval:

• Streets not repaired as promised (PCI declining from 85 to 68)
• Senior center permanently closed after promising continued services
• Pool repairs delayed and costs skyrocketing
• Public safety equipment still unfunded despite a public safety tax

Taxpayers deserve transparency. A true library initiative would clearly state:

✔ Precisely what it funds
✔ Total tax cost over time
✔ Legally binding restrictions so funds cannot be diverted
✔ Accountability for results

Today, none of that is guaranteed.

What You Can Do: Your Voice Matters

Major tax decisions shouldn’t move forward without clear, honest communication. Residents deserve a direct explanation — not branding that obscures the real purpose and impact of a new tax.

If you care about transparency and responsible spending, now is the time to speak up.

Attend City Council meetings and ask:

1️⃣ Why is the City claiming it is “not involved” — while:

• Loaning $350,000 in public funds to a developer, and
• Promoting the library concept on the official City website?

2️⃣ Why is this being called a “library tax” when there is no ballot language dedicating funds exclusively to library construction or services?

3️⃣ Why does the tax structure appear to funnel revenue into the General Fund — while being marketed to residents as a library measure?

These are direct, reasonable questions. And they deserve direct, truthful answers — not shifting language or vague assurances.

Show Up. Speak Up. Stay Engaged.

You don’t need to be an expert in tax law to ask for honesty.

📅 El Cerrito City Council Meetings
1st and 3rd Tuesdays monthly — 6:00 PM
City Hall, Council Chambers
10890 San Pablo Avenue

💻 Livestream and agenda available on the City website

When residents participate, decisions improve.
When we ask informed questions, transparency increases.
When we hold leaders accountable, public trust is strengthened.

Bottom Line

Calling this a “library initiative” may be a way to encourage support — libraries are popular, beloved community assets. But at this moment, the proposal appears to be:

📌 A new parcel tax with broad spending potential and automatically rising costs — not a dedicated library measure.

Before any vote moves forward, taxpayers should insist on:

🔍 Transparency
📊 Clear fiscal impacts
🧾 Binding legal protections
📣 Honest communication

Until then, the name doesn’t match the proposal.