The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024, was released this week and is available on the Financial Advisory Board website under reports. The 141-page document details the city’s financial position, revealing both a $2.7 million increase in revenue over expenses and the use of $250,000 in reserves last year. Page 3 of the document “Departments diligent efforts to minimize spending brought total General Fund expenditures under budget by $2.7 million; that, coupled with the $3.4 million in additional revenue reduced the projected deficit of $6.3 million to $250,147.”
At first glance, a budget surplus might suggest the city is financially healthy, but why, then, did El Cerrito dip into reserves? That’s a question taxpayers deserve answers to. Most likely city spent a total of $2.95 million ($2.7 million surplus + $250,147 reserves) on items not “technically” categorized as expenses under accounting rules.
Where Did the Money Go?
Some known expenditures include:
- $150,000 for new vehicles for the Fire Department, presumably for the Fire Chief or two of the four Battalion Chiefs.
- $1.6 million to purchase a church, though its future purpose has not been publicly explained.
- Possible debt payments or capital purchases, which must be listed in the financial report under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
However, despite these known expenditures, the city’s seven-page transmittal letter does not clearly explain the full use of funds. El Cerritans shouldn’t need to be forensic accountants to understand where our money is spent therefore the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) has raised concerns about the city’s financial transparency.
Why This Matters
El Cerrito residents should not need to be forensic auditors to understand how their tax dollars are spent. Government financial reports should make it easy to track where the money goes and why. When cities tout budget surpluses while simultaneously using reserves, it raises serious questions:
- Why was reserve funding necessary if revenue exceeded expenses?
- Are there other large expenditures not included in the transmittal letter?
- How does this impact future budget planning and financial stability?
What Can You Do?
If you are concerned about financial transparency in El Cerrito, now is the time to take action:
✔ Write to the City Council and City Clerk (ask that your comments be included in the Council packet).
✔ Attend the City Council retreat on Saturday, February 1 (9 AM – 1 PM). Arlington Park & Clubhouse
1120 Arlington Blvd.
El Cerrito, CA 94530
✔ Join the Tuesday, February 4, City Council meeting at City Hall
Contact Information
If you are concerned about financial transparency, contact the El Cerrito City Council and City Clerk to voice your concerns. Ask that your comments be included in the City Council packet for public record.
El Cerrito City Council Members (2025):
📍 Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
📧 Email: cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
📍 Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto
📧 Email: gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
📍 Councilmember Lisa Motoyama
📧 Email: lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
📍 Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman
📧 Email: rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
📍 Councilmember William Ktsanes
📧 Email: wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
City Clerk:
📍 Holly Charlety
📧 Email: hcharlety@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 General Clerk Email: cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📬 Mail: City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
For those interested in advocating for more transparent financial practices, contact the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG).
Your Voice Matters.
Holding city officials accountable ensures that taxpayer money is spent responsibly and with clear public justification. Stay informed, get involved, and demand transparency.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 