The city’s mid-year budget report raises important questions about spending, priorities, and transparency. While officials shared the numbers, they could have been clearer about what they mean for taxpayers. The reality is simple: spending is up—significantly.
Spending Has Increased by 5.67%—
Comparing fiscal years makes it obvious:
• FY 2025 Budget: $26,698,616
• FY 2024 Budget: $25,265,097
That’s an increase of over $1.4 million, or 5.67% more than last year—yet the city’s communication left it up to residents to figure that out.
Employee Compensation: Rising Costs Without Clear Returns
Employee compensation alone has jumped by $1.7 million. While competitive salaries are important, the community deserves to know if these increases are leading to better services. And despite this spending, the city still says it can’t fund a senior center.
This spending increase is largely driven by the classification and compensation study, which the city manager prioritized to align salaries with other municipalities. However, the State Auditor previously recommended conducting a staffing analysis first to determine actual needs before making across-the-board salary adjustments. Instead, the city reversed that order, increasing costs without a clear understanding of how staffing should be structured.
Fire Department Spending: Who Pays?
Fire department costs have surged, but there are some serious questions that need to be answered:
• How much of these costs will be covered by outside funding (such as reimbursements for mutual aid) versus how much is being absorbed by local taxpayers?
• Why does the city have four battalion chiefs when no other city of its size in Contra Costa County has four?
Each battalion chief costs at least $300,000 when factoring in salary, benefits, and overtime. That means taxpayers are covering at least $1.2 million just for these positions. If this level of staffing is necessary, the city needs to justify it. Otherwise, it looks like excessive spending.
Recreation Budget Jumps—Still No Senior Center?
We recognize that the recreation center generates revenue, which is important for city operations. However, we also recognize that a significant number of our residents are over 65 and could benefit from a dedicated senior center.
The Advantages of a Senior Center for Our Community
A senior center isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessary investment in our aging population. Here’s why:
• Improved Quality of Life – A senior center provides social engagement, fitness programs, and mental health support that enhance well-being and prevent isolation.
• Health & Wellness Programs – Exercise classes, nutrition workshops, and health screenings can help older adults stay active and reduce healthcare costs.
• Support Services – Many seniors need access to resources like transportation assistance, financial literacy workshops, and caregiver support.
• Intergenerational Engagement – A senior center can host mentoring programs, tutoring, and volunteer opportunities, strengthening community ties.
• Economic Benefits – Local businesses benefit when seniors shop, dine, and engage in community activities. Seniors who stay active and involved contribute to the economy just like any other demographic.
• Grants & Funding Opportunities – Cities that invest in senior services are often eligible for state and federal grants, offsetting costs and bringing additional funding into the community.
Time for a Real Investment in Our Seniors
Budgets reflect values. If the city can find the funds for increasing employee compensation, expanding recreation, and adding costly administrative positions, then it should be able to prioritize the needs of its older residents who have contributed to this community for decades.
A senior center isn’t just about spending money—it’s about making a smart investment in the people who built this city.
The numbers don’t lie. It’s time for straight answers about how the city is managing its finances—and whether those decisions truly serve all residents.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 