El Cerrito’s Financial Transparency Under Scrutiny

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On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the City of El Cerrito will receive a presentation on its Fiscal Year 2023-24 financial statements, prepared by Sheldon Chavan of Chavan & Associates LLP. While this presentation should provide critical insights into the city’s financial health, there are glaring concerns about transparency and objectivity in how the information will be presented to the public.

A Familiar Pattern: Favorable Narratives from Familiar Contractors

El Cerrito has a long-standing practice of relying on contractors who align with the city manager’s perspective, often favoring those willing to frame their findings in ways that cast the city in a positive light. This tendency has contributed to a lack of accountability and a lack of honesty. One consequence is the city’s reluctance to rotate service providers, which could bring fresh perspectives and more objective analysis to its operations.

Auditors and other consultants who consistently align with city leadership are often retained year after year, creating a relationship that risks eroding impartiality. The resulting presentations may gloss over critical issues or emphasize selective data to support the city’s narrative. This approach does little to instill public confidence in the integrity of the financial review process.

No Document for Public Review

While the auditor’s presentation is scheduled for Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the audit documents themselves are not currently available on the city’s financial transparency page. This raises significant concerns:

  • How can residents critically assess the presentation without access to the underlying documents?
  • Why hasn’t the city made these materials available in advance to encourage informed public participation?

Without the ability to review these documents, the public is effectively sidelined in discussions about the city’s financial position. Transparency is not just about holding meetings; it’s about equipping the community with the tools they need to engage meaningfully.

Questions the City Must Answer

  1. When will the audit documents be posted?
  2. Where will they be made available for public review?
  3. What steps will the city take to ensure future financial materials are accessible before key discussions?

Addressing these questions is essential to restoring trust and demonstrating that the city is committed to more than just optics when it comes to its financial accountability.

Upcoming City Council Meeting: A Chance to Demand Transparency

Residents concerned about El Cerrito’s financial transparency are encouraged to attend the upcoming City Council meeting:

Meeting Details:

  • Date and Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
  • Location: City Council Chambers, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
  • Remote Access: Closed captions and online streaming are available via Zoom.
  • Agenda Packet: El Cerrito City Council Agenda Packet

Speak Up and Get Involved

While the city’s leadership often crafts favorable narratives, public engagement remains a powerful tool for accountability.

Attendees can ask questions, request clarity on missing information, and demand that financial presentations reflect the full reality of the city’s fiscal health—not just the polished version.

For those unable to attend, input can still be shared directly with councilmembers:

Conclusion: Transparency Over Optics

El Cerrito’s FY 2023-24 financial statements should be an opportunity for honest reflection on the city’s fiscal policies and practices. However, the absence of the audit documents and the city’s track record of working with agreeable contractors suggest otherwise.

By providing timely access to financial documents, rotating service providers to encourage objectivity, and fostering genuine public engagement, El Cerrito can begin to shift away from its reputation for controlling narratives and build a foundation of true accountability. The community deserves nothing less.

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