El Cerrito Residents Reject Library Tax Proposal

At the December 2 City Council meeting, El Cerrito residents showed up in force — and they were overwhelmingly opposed to yet another long-term tax for a library the city would not own. Six residents spoke against the proposal, raising concerns about the initiative’s structure, its lack of transparency, and the long-term financial impact on taxpayers. Although their perspectives varied, their message was unmistakably aligned: this plan is not ready, not transparent, and not in the best interest of El Cerrito.

A central theme of the evening was the absence of basic financial information. Multiple speakers questioned why the initiative contains no project cost estimate, no revenue target, and no explanation for why taxpayers should begin paying in 2026 for a project that has neither a design nor an approved budget. As several pointed out, the public is being asked to commit to a tax rate before leaders have disclosed what the project will cost, who set the timeline, and whether the proposed amount will be anywhere near sufficient. Residents made it clear that they see this as backward: numbers should come first, not after the tax is already in place.

Another concern centered on the strategy used to place this measure on the ballot. Because the initiative is being brought forward by a citizen group rather than the city, it requires only a simple majority — 50% plus one vote — instead of the 67% threshold necessary for a city-sponsored tax. Speakers noted that past research has shown there is not enough public support to meet a two-thirds requirement. Several warned that this approach appears designed to push through a 30-year tax that might not pass under a higher, more appropriate standard.

Residents also objected strongly to the proposed BART Plaza location and the long-term implications of committing taxpayers to a facility the city will never own. They highlighted congestion, limited paid parking, and the reality that the initiative would lock El Cerrito into a 99-year lease arrangement that could ultimately cost $75 million or more. Others questioned why the city would effectively subsidize a developer by building out a 20,000-square-foot space that might remain vacant if El Cerrito didn’t agree to lease twice the amount of space the city actually needs.

Speakers also asked why more reasonable alternatives have been pushed aside. Several reminded the council that El Cerrito already owns its existing library and that renovation or expansion plans were developed and costed years ago. These options should be revisited.

Others noted the city has several vacant commercial spaces with ample parking that have not been meaningfully evaluated. These residents were not opposed to improving library services; they were opposed to ignoring less expensive, more logical options that would allow the city to own its own facility.

The potential tax burden was another major concern. One resident detailed how the allowable annual increases would affect a typical 1,500-square-foot home: roughly $255 in year one, more than $1,300 within five years, nearly $3,000 by year 15, and more than $6,500 annually after two decades. With no true end date and the ability for future councils to raise the tax without voter approval, residents described this as a financial commitment far too large and far too open-ended.

Finally, several residents noted declining library usage. Speakers who visit regularly described seeing fewer patrons today compared to a decade ago, questioning the need to triple the library’s size at a moment when digital access has changed how people seek information. They emphasized that being pro-library does not mean supporting a poorly conceived plan.

Across all six speakers, the underlying message was consistent: El Cerrito deserves a transparent, financially responsible, well-designed plan — not a rushed initiative with unanswered questions and a price tag that could burden residents for decades. The comments made clear that residents are not anti-library; they are anti-blank-check. They expect alternatives to be evaluated, financial details to be disclosed, and taxpayer interests to be prioritized.

The December 2 meeting demonstrated something important: El Cerrito residents are paying attention, they are informed, and they are unwilling to support another “forever” tax without accountability and a credible path forward.

Speak up. The next chance to be heard is Monday, December 16, at 6:00 PM at City Hall — and if you want to hear directly from the City Manager, attend the State of the City presentation at 5:00 PM the same evening.

Your voice matters. Show up and make sure the decisions being made reflect the community — not just the proponents of another long-term tax.