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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING EL CERRITO’s FINANCES AND SERVICE NEEDS Q: What is the issue? A: El Cerrito faces a variety of fiscal and service delivery challenges, including continued State takeaways and the slow economic recovery. El Cerrito needs local control over local funds, for local needs. On July 15th, 2014 the El Cerrito City Council unanimously placed a local funding measure on the November 2014 ballot to extend Measure R at the one cent rate for 12 years. If enacted, this funding measure would provide a source of funding to address community priorities, while keeping all funds local and ensuring that NO funds can be taken by the State. Q: What is the urgency? A: Measure R was previously approved by local voters four years ago. If extended at the one cent rate, the City will be able to maintain current levels of fire protection and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention programs, and rapid 9-1-1 response times. Property crimes have increased in El Cerrito and we desire a fully-staffed police force to prevent crime from getting worse. Q. How can we be sure that funds continue to be spent properly? A. The City prides itself on transparent and fiscally prudent financial practices, which include a Financial Advisory Board, mandatory financial audits and reports to the community to continue to ensure that all voter-approved funds are spent appropriately. Continuing this financial accountability would be included as part of any measure renewal. Q: What priorities have the community identified? A: The City is committed to protecting or expanding the services that our community has said are important, including: • Maintaining current levels of firefighters, fire protection and emergency medical services • Maintaining rapid 9-1-1 response times, neighborhood police patrols, crime prevention and investigation • Maintaining earthquake and disaster preparedness programs • Maintaining after-school programs for children and teens • Maintaining and improving city parks, playfields, paths and open spaces Q: Where can I get more information? A: The City will continue to keep the community informed about El Cerrito’s service and financial priorities. For more information, please visit the City’s website at www.el-cerrito.org.