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