The ordinance is for one purpose. It is for affirmative and positive change in
our community. It is for responsible and transparent government. It is for a new modern library. Here is a simple read.
The following are sections quoted from the proposed Ordinance and make for a quick
read of the proposed Special Property Tax.
SECTION 2 Recitals
A. El Cerrito’s sole library opened in 1949, over 75 years ago, when El Cerrito’s population
was less than 18,000. El Cerrito’s population now exceeds 26,000 and is growing. The
existing library is far too small and outdated to serve Community needs.
B. Library use is on the rise while the 75-year-old facility is in poor condition with cramped,
dilapidated space, and poor lighting. It lacks adequate seating, book collections,
computer stations, quiet reading areas, and group study or meeting rooms. The building
does not meet current safety and accessibility standards. Options for expansion are
limited and expensive.
SECTION 3 Purpose. The voters of the City of El Cerrito declare that our
purpose and intent in enacting this Initiative is to authorize and adopt a special non-ad
valorem special tax at a maximum rate of up to seventeen cents ($0.17) per square foot
of improved building area per year and one hundred dollars ($100.00) per vacant parcel
per year, as provided in section 4.58.040, on real property within the City of El Cerrito,
the proceeds of which shall be specifically restricted and shall be used solely as set
forth in this Initiative, to fund the planning, construction, and furnishing of a modern
library in El Cerrito and to fund the City’s library operating costs of the new library for up
to ten years.
Chapter 4.58.040 Special Tax Rate, Paragraph C. The City Council may not set
the tax rate at a level higher than 115% of the rate needed (1) to extinguish any
indebtedness and (2) to pay for the City’s library operating costs during the first ten full
years following the completion of library construction.
Chapter 4.58.060 Use of Tax Revenue, Paragraph A. Revenue from the
Special Tax, including penalties and interest thereon, shall be used for the planning,
permitting, environmental review, construction, and furnishing of a new modern library,
including a new building, and for the City’s library operating costs for the first ten years.
The City Council shall implement a process that will actively engage residents regarding
(1) the design of a new library, (2) improvements to the library, (c) library services, and
(d) any other matters regarding the expenditure of the Special Tax revenues received by
the City under this Chapter in order to enable the Council to select a library that best
serves the residents of El Cerrito.
Chapter 4.58.070 Accountability, Paragraph B. The specific purposes of the
Special Tax are for the funding of a new library as set forth in Section 4.58.060. The
proceeds of the Special Tax shall be applied only to those specific purposes.
Chapter 4.58.080 Oversight and Annual Audit. Each year, as part of the audit
of the City’s financial statements, the City's independent auditors shall complete a report
reviewing the collection, management, and expenditure of revenue from the Special
Tax. The report shall be reviewed by a new or existing citizen oversight board
designated by the City Council as part of its review of the annual audit.
Chapter 4.58.110 Term of Special Tax. The collection of the Parcel Tax shall
commence on July 1st after the Effective Date and continue for thirty (30) years after
the initial issuance of bonds for the planning and construction of a new library.