Myth: This is a “forever” tax.
Fact: This is a parcel tax initially capped at 17 cents-per-square-foot of habitable space on a parcel. The tax ends 30 years after initial issuance of planning and construction bonds.

Myth: The tax will always be set to the maximum allowable rate and increase forever..
Fact: The actual tax rate does not have to be set at the maximum rate. The actual tax rate can only be set at a rate needed to extinguish any indebtedness and pay the City’s library operating costs during the first ten full years. Library costs will fluctuate during the first ten years of operations because librarian wages will change every year. After the initial ten years of library operations, the tax rate will be set to repay the construction debt; a set recurring amount Just like any loan – like a mortgage or car loan – payments remain the same over the life of the loan.

Myth: There is no guarantee the library will be built.
Fact: The tax rate can only be set at a rate needed to extinguish any indebtedness and pay the City’s library operating costs during the first ten full years. If there is no debt, there is no need for a tax.

Myth: This is a handout to cover BART Plaza construction costs that benefits private developers.
Fact: There is no location selected. A process of robust community engagement will determine the eventual location and design. This will ensure the new library location is selected in a transparent manner without “backroom deals”.

One viable option is a 20,000 square foot library envisioned as part of the Plaza Station redevelopment. For more information about the advantages of a Library at the Plaza, visit Committee for a Plaza Station Library.

Myth: This tax hits seniors hardest.
Fact: Eligible property owners age 62 or older may apply for an exemption. It is anticipated that seniors will benefit from a new library that can provide space for senior programs and spaces and collections dedicated to them.