Council is adopting the FY2027 property tax rates for 13 separate voter-approved parcel taxes and bond measures covering libraries, fire and emergency medical services, parks and street trees, disability emergency services, street safety (SAFE STREETS), affordable housing bonds, and infrastructure bonds.
Why you
On your 1,450 sq ft home assessed at $1,200,000, these 13 rates combine to $2,199.92 per year in city property tax charges, split between per-square-foot dwelling levies ($1,611.92/year) and assessed-value levies ($588.00/year).
Why now
These are second readings of ordinances setting the tax rate for the fiscal year starting soon; adoption at this meeting locks in the FY2027 rate on your property tax bill.
Evidence
“setting the FY 2027 tax rate for funding all improvements for the maintenance of parks, City trees, and landscaping in the City of Berkeley at $0.2783 (27.83 cents) per square foot of improvements.”
Council is adopting an ordinance rewriting the goBerkeley parking program to extend meter hours to 8 p.m. citywide, add Sunday meter enforcement, expand metered zones into new high-demand areas, and set new parking fine and permit fee schedules.
Why you
Your household relies on street parking only with one vehicle and no driveway, so extended evening hours, new Sunday enforcement, and expanded meter zones can directly change when and where you pay to park near home.
Why now
This is the second reading of Ordinance 8,012-N.S., meaning adoption at this meeting finalizes the new parking rules and fee schedule.
Evidence
“Extend parking meter operating hours to 8 p.m. citywide. b. Operate parking meters, pay stations, and parking enforcement on Sundays. c. Expand meter zones to new high-demand areas.”
Council is adopting a ballot ordinance to place a new 0.5% sales tax increase before voters in November 2026, which would raise Berkeley's total sales tax rate to 10.75%.
Why you
As a household concerned with property taxes and city fees, this adds a new city-wide tax question to your November ballot on top of the $2,199.92 in annual parcel taxes already on your property.
Why now
This is the second reading needed to place the measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot, so approval now sets the final ballot language and rate for the vote.
Evidence
“authorizing a one-half of one percent (0.5%) transactions and use (sales) tax for general municipal purposes, bringing the aggregate sales tax rate in Berkeley to 10.75%”
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jurisdiction. The model can recommend an action; it cannot grant itself
permission to take one — including when the operator is us.