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LWV LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Smart Voter
Contra Costa County, CA March 7, 2000 Election
Measure A

City of El Cerrito

Approved by two-thirds of the voters

5,918 / 67.0% Yes votes ...... 2,913 / 33.0% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Information shown below: Impartial Analysis |
Shall the City of El Cerrito impose a special tax in the maximum yearly amount of $58.46 per single family residential unit, and comparable amounts for multifamily and nonresidential property, collected with the property tax, for up to 20 years, to renovate the Swim Center, rehabilitate Canyon Trail Clubhouse, restore restrooms at Huber, Poinsett and Harding Parks and establish a dedicated fund with yearly and mandatory contributions from the general fund to maintain and replace city capital facilities."
Impartial Analysis from City Attorney
Through Measure A, the Council seeks to renovate the Swim Center and designated park clubhouses and establish a dedicated fund for the maintenance and replacement of city capital facilities. If approved by two-thirds of the voters, the Swim Center and clubhouse renovations will be accomplished through a special tax in the maximum yearly amount of $58.46 on single-family homes and comparable amounts on multifamily and nonresidential property. The dedicated Maintenance and Capital Facilities Fund will be financed through annual contributions from the City general fund and may only be used for the maintenance and replacement of the city capital facilities.

The Swim Center was constructed 37 years ago. It no longer complies with health and safety standards. Its components, including the locker room, pool decks and pump room, are deteriorating. A community process was initiated to develop a master plan for the Swim Center. It includes an enlarged swimming pool, a new swim center building, new locker rooms and other improvements. The master plan has been approved by the Park and Recreation Commission, the Committee of the Whole and the City Council.

Canyon Trail Clubhouse was constructed in the 1960's. It was closed because of seismic safety concerns. Once renovated, Canyon Trail Clubhouse will be utilized as an arts center providing classes in such areas as drawing, ceramics and photography. It also will be sued for recreational and educational programs.

Restrooms at Harding, Huber and Poinsett parks were closed because they did not meet certain legal requirements. They will be rehabilitated so that park patrons again have restrooms at their disposal.

These renovations cost $5.31 million. To provide these funds, Measure A imposes a special annual tax in the maximum amount of $58.46 for single-family homes, $45.00 for multifamily units and $410 per acre on nonresidential property. Tax payments will continue for up to 20 years and will be collected with the property tax. Low income senior citizens, blind or disabled persons may be entitled to financial assistance in paying the tax.

Tax proceeds may be used only for the renovation programs identified above. The tax may not be increased without a vote. A grant and contribution program will be implemented. Monies received in grants and contributions shall be used to reduce the tax amount or the term of the tax. A dedicated fund will be established for maintenance and reconstruction of the Swim Center and clubhouses.

In addition, the City shall establish a dedicated Maintenance and Capital Replacement Fund. This fund will be financed by yearly contributions form the general fund, indexed by the amount net revenues from the real property transfer tax exceed the sum of $250,000. Monies in the fund may come from sales tax, property tax, or any other available funds. Fund proceeds shall be devoted exclusively to the maintenance and replacement of City capital facilities. Monies in the fund may not be used for any other purpose without a vote of the people.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Ordinance No. 99-8. If you desire a copy of the ordinance, please call the election official's office at telephone number 510-215-4300 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

 
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Created: April 13, 2000 02:34
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