Why did the City place Measure V on the ballot? Is it really about the Real Property Transfer Tax?

The City has been open—from the very first City Council meeting about the issue in November 2017—that the Real Property Transfer Tax would meaningfully increase revenue to support the community’s priorities for local services like disaster preparedness, police, fire, parks and open space, and senior services. Under current California law, only charter cities can collect a Real Property Transfer Tax.

In 2014, voters in the City of Emeryville similarly approved a limited charter that expanded their ability to raise revenue, including a RPTT. The proposed El Cerrito Charter leaves in place local law, other than to give the City more options for raising revenue and authorizing a RPTT. The City has explained this at every public meeting at which the proposed El Cerrito Charter and Measure V have been discussed. El Cerrito voters will decide whether they want additional revenue to meet their priorities for local services.

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1. What is a charter city?
2. Why is El Cerrito considering becoming a charter city?
3. How will El Cerrito become a charter city?
4. When will residents vote on this measure?
5. What is a Real Property Transfer Tax or RPPT?
6. Are there other charter cities in the Bay Area?
7. As a homeowner, will I have to pay the Measure V tax every year?
8. Will I have to pay the Real Property Transfer Tax if I gift my home to a family member, place it in a Family Trust, or leave it to my children as inheritance?
9. What can the revenue be used for? Why is it not guaranteed for specific services or improvements?
10. Will we get any additional or increased services if Measure V passes?
11. Will the Real Property Transfer Tax directly impact property values?
12. Will the Real Property Transfer Tax negatively impact the proceeds from a sale of a home in El Cerrito?
13. Will being a Charter City increase the chances the City will go bankrupt?
14. Will Measure V cause rents to increase?
15. Will sales of commercial property also be subject to the tax?
16. Why did the City place Measure V on the ballot? Is it really about the Real Property Transfer Tax?