The campaign for a new library in El Cerrito now has a slick website and a rebrand at
https://www.anewelcerritolibrary.com/
It promises a modern space with more computers, community areas, expanded programming, and new services — all things most of us genuinely value.
But building a new website and putting a fresh coat of paint on a campaign message doesn’t change the underlying realities that matter to residents — especially seniors and families with young children.
Residents have seen this pattern before: ambitious promises, followed by cost overruns, shifting priorities, and new requests for funding. A new website cannot erase that history.
1. Campaign Language Isn’t the Same as Full Disclosure
The site repeatedly claims funds “cannot be used for any purpose other than a new library.”
But legal restrictions don’t guarantee financial isolation. Cities commonly allocate administrative and support costs across funds. El Cerrito is no exception.
Voters deserve full transparency about how dollars actually function once collected.
2. “Separate From the General Fund” Doesn’t Mean Untouchable
Accounting segregation doesn’t prevent internal charges for staffing, overhead, or shared services.
“Separate” in name can still bleed into general expenses in practice.
Over the years, residents have watched restricted funds redirected through accounting practices, leading to repeated requests for new taxes to cover basic services.
3. A Track Record of Broken Promises
El Cerrito has repeatedly asked voters to approve new taxes and fees with assurances of stability and restraint.
Yet residents have continued to see:
• Repeated tax measures
• Rising utility and parcel taxes
• Growing pension and benefit obligations
• Declining reserves
Promises of “one-time” or “limited” funding have often been followed by new revenue measures. Examples and community discussion:
https://nextdoor.com/p/YhFqT6MBy-7K
https://nextdoor.com/p/3BRM7mSGN8Ff
4. Promised Programming Without Sustainable Funding
The campaign promises expanded programming, more services, and enhanced community offerings.
But El Cerrito already struggles to fund extended hours and basic operations.
Adding new programs requires:
• More staffing
• More benefits and pension costs
• More utilities and maintenance
• More administrative support
The City does not currently have the long-term financial capacity to implement and sustain these expanded services without raising taxes again.
In other words, today’s promises may become tomorrow’s tax increases.
5. Senior Exemptions Are Narrow — The Messaging Isn’t
The campaign states that seniors may apply for an exemption.
However, the process is complex, limited, and poorly communicated. One program hasn’t been active since 2008 and the other program requires a lien on your house.
Many seniors on fixed incomes are likely to continue paying this tax despite assurances to the contrary.
Community discussion:
https://nextdoor.com/p/_krsZPhKxzJW?utm_source=share&extras=MTUwNzQ3ODI%3D&utm_campaign=1770496583798&share_action_id=a54d7835-728b-4fde-af81-1264e7e77025
6. There’s No Guarantee the Library Will Actually Get Built
The ballot language does not mandate a completed library by a specific date.
Special taxes often continue even when timelines shift.
7. “Independent Oversight” Sounds Good — But What Power Does It Have?
The campaign does not clarify authority, enforcement, or transparency mechanisms.
Without enforcement power, oversight often becomes symbolic rather than effective.
8. Operating Costs After Year Ten Are Not Covered
After Year Ten, operating costs revert to the General Fund, creating future financial pressure. This virtually guarantees future budget cuts or additional tax measures.
9. Love for Libraries ≠ Support for Every Funding Plan
We love libraries.
We also value transparency, fiscal responsibility, and fairness for seniors and families.
Conclusion
Rebranding does not change the truth.
This parcel tax proposal relies on optimistic projections and incomplete disclosures.
El Cerrito deserves better than repeating the same cycle of promises followed by financial strain.
We can support great libraries without sacrificing fiscal integrity.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 