Residents are not confused. They are reading.
On page 24 of the City’s own impact report, the current library’s annual operating cost is listed at $157,615. On the same page, the report acknowledges that operating and maintenance costs could reach $797,000 annually for the El Cerrito Plaza library — a more than 400% increase. Agenda Packet (rev. 2.19.2026)
That is not a small adjustment.
That is a structural shift.
And that shift is at the center of growing public distrust.
The Ten-Year Coverage — Then What?
Under the initiative, parcel tax revenues would fund construction and cover operating costs for the first decade after completion. After Year 10, those operating costs transfer back to the General Fund.
That means:
– Police, fire, streets, parks, and core services begin competing with expanded library costs.
– Future councils must absorb expenses that could approach $800,000 annually.
– The community inherits a long-term obligation far beyond campaign messaging.
This is not an argument against libraries.
It is an argument for clarity.
The Same Voices, A Narrow Chorus
At today’s meeting, something else became noticeable.
The speakers supporting the June ballot were familiar:
– The author of the initiative
– Former councilmembers, their spouses
– Longtime political allies
Nine speakers advocated rushing the measure to June. Each spoke about having a “nice library.” None addressed why a project approaching $100 million makes financial sense.
Twelve speakers supported a November vote or raised concerns, including a former councilmember and mayor known for fiscal responsibility.
Trust Requires Straight Talk
One form of deception: the pro-people told the public that seniors would be exempt, which was a main reason people were willing to sign the citizens’ initiative. Now, we all know that the exemption in the initiative uses a process that has been dormant for decades or requires a lien on their home. Now that the community has called them out, the city manager, city attorney, and city council have kept alluding to the council’s authority to exempt seniors by a majority vote.
More Deception
During that same meeting, the city council could have committed to exclude seniors 62 and older from this tax burden. But the mayor skipped right over that and went to a vote. And they won’t exempt seniors later. Why? Nearly 40% of El Cerrito residents are over 50. Within twelve years, a large share of the tax base could become exempt.
The initiative also allows rates to rise up to 115% of projected needs without voter approval. Many seniors on fixed incomes could eventually be priced out.
Growing Skepticism Is Not Anti-Library
It is pro-governance.
Residents are rejecting incomplete explanations and accelerated timelines.
Good governance should never force residents to choose between enthusiasm and honesty.
It should demand both.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 