EL CERRITO, CA — Voters in El Cerrito in Tuesday's election have passed a ballot measure seeking to extend a parcel tax to generate an estimated $650,000 per year for parks and recreation.
Measure H, which passed with more than 77 percent of the vote, was designed to replace a property tax known as Measure A that passed in 2000 and is set to expire in June 2020. It generates $58.46 per single-family property, $45 per unit in multi-family properties and $410 per acre on non-residential property.
In total, 180 projects and activities will be affected by the funding provided, including maintenance and renovation of the city swim center, parks and paths as well as management of vegetation for fire safety and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
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While taxpayer groups frequently file arguments in opposition of property tax measures, no such argument was filed regarding Measure H.
Proponents said the money generated can only be used for parks and pools under state law, and cannot be reappropriated for other purposes.
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El Cerrito has 16 municipal parks that city officials call a high priority, but without a dedicated source of revenue they were concerned about falling behind on their maintenance responsibilities.
— Bay City News