East Palo Alto asks voters on Nov. 3 to approve Measure O, a general-obligation bond that would pay for the permanent civic buildings and underground pipes the city has talked about for years. The measure needs a two-thirds supermajority.

What the bond would fund

Ballot language filed with San Mateo County would authorize up to $125 million in bonds for a library, an emergency command center, a civic center, a youth sports park, replacement of deteriorating drinking-water pipes, storm-drain repairs aimed at street flooding, and earthquake-safety work at public facilities. The League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County’s measure guide notes that the city still rents commercial space for City Hall, that police work out of cramped quarters, and that the library is a small, single-room facility with wait lists for children’s and literacy programs.

City Manager Melvin Gaines, in a July 21 press release after the council unanimously placed the measure on the ballot, said it reflects priorities residents named in the city’s “EPA Talks” outreach: safe drinking water, a modern library, places for youth, and infrastructure that keeps pace with need. San Mateo County Libraries Director Anne-Marie Despain said a larger library would add space for families, teens, makers and quiet study.

What it would cost

While bonds are outstanding, the city estimates an average tax of $105.26 per $100,000 of assessed value — about $8.94 million a year in levy capacity on the ballot question. Ballotpedia and the LWV guide both cite that average. The LWV summary adds city estimates of a peak rate near $114.41 per $100,000 starting in fiscal year 2028-29, a final collection year of 2057-58, and total debt service of about $268.2 million if all bonds are issued. Taxes are based on assessed value, not market price. Bond money would sit in a separate fund limited to the listed projects, with annual independent audits and a yearly finance director’s report.

Yes, no, and who is arguing

  • Yes: Authorize the bonds and the property-tax levy to build or buy the listed facilities and systems.
  • No: Leave the city without authority to issue this bond package.

The LWV guide lists supporters including youth and community nonprofit leaders, and opposition from Mark W.A. Hinkle of the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, who frames it as a tax increase without proper oversight. Full arguments are in the San Mateo County voter guide and on the city’s elections page, which also lists Measure CC (council term limits) and seven candidates for two council seats on the same ballot.