Measure H Would Fund El Cerrito Parks, Pools

EL CERRITO, CA — Registered voters in El Cerrito will decide on Tuesday whether to extend a parcel tax that generates an estimated $650,000 annually to fund parks and recreation activities.

Voters approved Measure A, which imposed the property tax, in 2000. It generates $58.46 per single-family property, $45 per unit for multi-family properties and $410 per acre, or portion thereof, for non-residential properties. It's set to expire, however, in June 2020.

A "yes" vote on Measure H in Tuesday's election would extend that tax indefinitely, until repealed or amended by voters. The measure needs two-thirds approval to pass.

There are a total of 180 projects and activities identified in the city's Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan that would be funded by the tax revenue, including maintenance and renovation at the city's swim center, parks and paths, management of vegetation for fire safety and accessibility improvements for people with various disabilities.

City staff also hope to update playgrounds, address seismic issues and upgrade irrigation systems with an eye toward water conservation. The revenue would also fund programs for children, families, adults and seniors.

Proponents of Measure H say the money can only be used to upgrade and maintain parks and pools, and cannot be used for other purposes under state law.

Elections officials say no argument against Measure H was filed with the county. If it fails, however, property owners in El Cerrito will see a reduction in their annual property taxes.

Return to Patch for tonight's local election results: Subscribe to free News Alerts
— Bay City News