Measure X | californiachoices.org

My vote

Would create a special parcel tax to maintain Berkeley Public Library facilities and services, prioritizing neighborhood libraries, weekend and evening hours, diverse collections, and youth, educational and other programs, at $0.06 per square foot of improvements for dwelling units, and $0.09 per square foot for other properties, generating $5,600,000 annually until repealed, in addition to the current library tax of $0.28 per square foot for dwelling units and $0.4233 for other properties. Measure X requires a two-thirds vote for passage.

Fiscal Impact: Measure X would generate $5,600,000 annually, and incur administrative costs.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure Y

See Endorsements for Measure X

Details

Pro/Con

Pro:

Supporters argue to vote YES on Measure X to keep our libraries open nights and weekends; expand programs for children, teens, and seniors; teach reading; launch a new website; improve connections to the internet; and jump-start important repairs.

For over a century, Berkeley’s public libraries have educated, delighted, and transformed lives in our community. Last year the library’s five branches had more than 500,000 visits, and thousands of children, teens, and adults participated in reading, educational, and cultural programs. That’s a lot of love – and wear! With three of our branch buildings topping 75 years of service; aging computer systems; the need for improved air quality, cooling, and circulation; and overall expenses rising faster than income; our libraries need additional funds

A YES vote on this measure means that you support authorizing an annual parcel tax of $0.06 per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 per square foot for other properties to fund Berkeley Public Library facilities and services.

Con:

No official argument against Measure X was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means that you oppose authorizing an annual parcel tax of $0.06 per square foot for dwelling units and $0.09 per square foot for other properties to fund Berkeley Public Library facilities and services.

In Depth

This measure would impose a special parcel tax to fund library operations and services, including but not limited to building maintenance, collections, and staffing.

The proceeds of the tax would be placed into the existing library fund or into another special fund to be used for the purpose of funding library operations and services. The measure identifies a set of spending priorities to be considered by the City when spending the proceeds of the tax. The priorities include: keeping neighborhood libraries well-staffed and in good repair; maintaining weekend and evening hours; maintaining and expanding programs for children and teenagers; providing more copies of up-to-date books, e-books, and other materials; maintaining library facilities; maintaining the tool library; improving accessibility for wheelchair and low-mobility users; improving library program for older adults; installing or upgrading air conditioning and solar panels to respond to climate crisis challenges; improving the usability of the library’s website; upgrading wifi service; expanding programs for job seekers; and expanding multilingual collections and bilingual programming.

The tax would be imposed at a rate of $0.06 per square foot on all dwelling units, and up to $0.09 per square foot on all other improved property. The measure would create an exemption for property owned by individuals with “very low-income,” as defined by the City Council, and property that is tax-exempt under state or federal law. The City Council would be allowed to adjust the tax rates annually for inflation. The City estimates the tax would raise roughly $5.6 million per year.

The tax would be in addition to an existing special parcel tax for library services, the current rates of which are $0.28 per square foot of improvements for dwelling units and $0.4233 per square foot for all other properties.

Source: City of Berkeley Ballot Measure Documents

Voter Resources

City of Berkeley Voter Information

Alameda County Election Resources