Berkeley City Council Meeting Summary - May 24, 2024

The Berkeley City Council held a special meeting on May 24, 2024, to discuss potential measures for the November 2024 ballot. The meeting, attended by all council members and Mayor Jesse Arreguin, primarily focused on a proposed limited library tax. Here's a breakdown of the key discussions and decisions:

Key Discussions

• Presenter: Tess Mayer, Director of Library Services.
• Highlights:
  • The Berkeley Public Library offers extensive services, including over one million eBooks and essential learning platforms.
  • The library has completed significant renovations at the central library and is improving other branches.
  • Despite the pandemic, the library remains one of the highest circulating systems in California.
  • A strategic plan completed in 2023 emphasizes inclusivity and community-centered collaboration.
  • The library faces a structural deficit, with expenditures outpacing revenue, necessitating additional funding.

• Details:
  • A new limited library tax of $0.06 per square foot on residential parcels and $0.09 per square foot on commercial parcels is proposed.
  • This tax is expected to raise $5.6 million annually, crucial for preventing insolvency by 2029-2030.
  • A survey by Godby Research in March 2024 showed strong community support for the library and the proposed tax measure, with an 87% approval rating.

• Support:
  • Community members, including Beverly Green from the Berkeley Board of Library Trustees, expressed strong support for the proposed tax.
  • Public testimonials highlighted the library's importance as a community resource.

Decisions and Next Steps

• The council acknowledged the need for a robust public campaign to ensure community understanding and support for the proposed tax measure.

• The council planned to continue discussions on the proposed tax measure, considering community feedback and the detailed presentation by Tess Mayer.

Additional Discussions

• Support for Homelessness Initiatives:

  • Measure P has funded significant progress in addressing homelessness, including a 45% reduction in unsheltered homelessness.
  • The potential decrease in state funding makes the extension of Measure P critical.

• Proposed Adjustments:

  • Implementing graduated tax tiers for properties, starting at $1.5 million, with higher rates for properties valued at $3 million, $5 million, and $10 million.

• Background:

  • Berkeley was the first U.S. city to pass a soda tax, funding health-related community programs.
  • The tax has successfully funded various programs, particularly for children and low-income households.

• Renewal Proposal:

  • Reauthorization with no changes to the tax rate or structure, extending it for another 12 years.
  • Strong community support was noted, with public commenters emphasizing the ongoing need for the tax.

• Economic Impact:
  • Arts organizations have not fully recovered from the pandemic, affecting the local economy and cultural life.
  • Potential solutions include exploring tax measures or other funding options to support these organizations.

• Proposal:
  • A proposed 20% increase in the parks tax to support park maintenance and urban forestry.
  • The increase would equate to about 4.5 cents per square foot, roughly $90 per year for a 2,000 square-foot home.

• Multiple Measures:
  • Concerns were raised about overwhelming voters with too many measures on the ballot.
  • A survey was proposed to gauge voter support for various tax measures and understand their willingness to support multiple measures.

Conclusion

The Berkeley City Council meeting underscored the critical role of the Berkeley Public Library and the urgent need for additional funding through a proposed tax measure. Discussions also highlighted the importance of extending Measure P to continue funding homelessness programs, reauthorizing the soda tax for health initiatives, and supporting arts organizations and parks. The council will proceed with public engagement, legal reviews, and surveys to finalize these measures for the November 2024 ballot.