Understanding What’s Actually Being Proposed in El Cerrito
In June, El Cerrito voters will be asked to decide on a parcel tax being marketed as a “library initiative.”
The vote is on.
But residents deserve to understand exactly what they are being asked to approve before casting a ballot.
Right now, there is no publicly available ballot language that guarantees a new library will be built.
What is clear is that a new parcel tax is being proposed. And while the library is being used as the public-facing justification, the tax itself would be permanent, enforceable, and automatically increasing.
In short: the library is optional. The tax is not.
That distinction matters.
What We Actually Know: A Parcel Tax Is Under Consideration
One version of the proposal circulating suggests a tax of $0.17 per square foot of improved property. It would be a special tax, not based on property value, and collected by the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
The proposal allows automatic annual increases. The City Council could raise the tax each year without voter approval, meaning costs would grow year after year.
For homeowners, the estimated impact is approximately $288 per year for an average home in Year 1, rising significantly over time due to inflation adjustments.
Once approved, this tax continues regardless of whether a new library is ever completed.
The “Senior Exemption” Is Not What Many Assume
Supporters often point to senior exemptions as a safeguard. In reality, the exemptions have two major limitations.
One exemption is based on a state program that has barely been used in nearly 20 years. Most eligible seniors are not enrolled, and reopening eligibility is uncertain.
The second exemption requires seniors to place a lien on their home in exchange for postponing taxes. The tax is not forgiven. It accrues as debt and must be repaid when the home is sold or transferred.
For many seniors, especially those hoping to leave their homes to family, this is not a realistic option.
These exemptions are not automatic, not widely used, and not accessible to most seniors. They should not be portrayed as meaningful protection.
Where Would the Money Go?
This remains the central concern.
No publicly available draft measure restricts the funds exclusively to library construction or services.
The City could direct revenues toward a library, public safety, infrastructure, parks, housing or development projects, or general fund needs.
Even the City’s own materials describe the proposal as being for City Council and voter consideration. Nothing is guaranteed.
Meanwhile
At the same time residents are being told the City is not involved, $350,000 in public funds has been loaned to a developer tied to the project. The project is promoted on the City’s website, and City staff time and resources are being used.
This contradiction deserves scrutiny.
If the City isn’t involved, why are public dollars and public infrastructure supporting it?
Important Financial Considerations
The tax is guaranteed whether or not the library is built. Costs rise automatically every year. Modest and longtime homeowners pay more relative to property value. Over time, residents could pay tens of thousands of dollars. Most seniors receive no meaningful relief. Public funds may end up subsidizing private development.
This is not speculation. It is how parcel taxes function.
Why This Matters
El Cerrito residents have seen this pattern before.
Streets were promised, and conditions declined. Senior services were promised, and the center was closed. Pool repairs were delayed while costs exploded. Public safety funding was approved, yet equipment remains unfunded.
Once a tax is approved, public leverage disappears. Voters are left with fewer tools to demand results.
What a Real Library Measure Would Include
A genuine library initiative would clearly state what will be built, when it will be built, the total lifetime cost, legal restrictions on fund use, independent oversight, and consequences if promises are not met.
This proposal does none of that.
An Important Fact: The Measure Can Be Changed
The parcel tax on the June ballot is being advanced through a citizens’ initiative.
That means the sponsoring group has the legal ability to repeal it and bring back a revised version with better terms.
They can:
Add binding restrictions Guarantee construction timelines Strengthen senior protections Limit spending authority Provide enforceable oversight Clarify total costs
Nothing requires voters to accept a poorly structured proposal simply because it is on the ballot.
If the terms are flawed, they can be fixed.
But only if voters demand it.
What You Can Do
The June election is your leverage.
As written, this measure asks residents to approve a permanent, escalating tax without guaranteed results or meaningful safeguards.
Unless the terms change, voters should reject it.
A “no” vote is not anti-library.
It is a demand for a better, honest, accountable proposal.
Residents should ask City leaders and initiative sponsors:
Why is this being called a library tax when no library is guaranteed?
Why is the tax permanent while the project is uncertain?
Why are senior protections so limited?
Why are funds not legally restricted?
Why should residents accept rising costs without binding accountability?
These are reasonable questions. They deserve honest answers.
City Council Meetings
First and third Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
City Hall, Council Chambers
10890 San Pablo Avenue
Livestream and agenda available on the City website
Participation matters. Informed questions matter. Accountability matters.
Bottom Line
In June, voters will decide whether to approve a permanent parcel tax with automatic increases, limited senior protections, broad spending authority, and no guaranteed outcome.
As written, this measure does not meet the standard of transparency and accountability residents deserve.
Unless the terms are improved, voters should vote no.
A better proposal is possible.
But only if the current one is rejected.
Until then, the name does not match the reality.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 