In a troubling echo of past financial mismanagement, the El Cerrito City Council recently voted 4-1 (with Councilmember Ktsanes dissenting) to withdraw $1 million from city reserves, leaving just $11 in unrestricted reserves. This is the same reckless budgeting approach that previously led to El Cerrito’s going concern warning, high-risk designation, and a dismal BBB- bond rating.
Residents may recall the June 4, 2019, City Council meeting, when City Manager Karen Pinkos and then-Finance Director assured the public that the city’s finances were sound. They dismissed concerns about reserve levels and fiscal sustainability then the City landed on the State High Risk for bankruptcy list and dropped to a BBB- bond rating. Fast forward to today, and Karen Pinkos is still the City Manager—overseeing the same financial mismanagement that put El Cerrito in crisis.
Why Does This Matter?
• Unrestricted reserves are a safety net. They should be available for emergencies and unexpected shortfalls—not routine overspending.
• A depleted reserve fund weakens El Cerrito’s financial standing. The city is already under state scrutiny and struggles with its credit rating.
• This decision signals continued fiscal irresponsibility. Without meaningful reforms, El Cerrito risks further financial instability, jeopardizing essential services.
Councilmember Ktsanes’ dissenting vote underscores the need for responsible financial stewardship. Unfortunately, the rest of the council has chosen to ignore the gravity of past mistakes, rubber-stamping another reserve depletion request instead of demanding a real plan for reducing expenses.
El Cerrito Residents Must Speak Up
If you are concerned about the city’s financial future, now is the time to demand accountability from your elected officials. Tell the council to stop draining reserves and start making responsible budget decisions.
Contact Your City Officials Today:
📧 Mayor Carolyn Wysinger – cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto – gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 Councilmember Lisa Motoyama – lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman – rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 Councilmember William Ktsanes – wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
📧 City Clerk – cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Hold Leadership Accountable
El Cerrito residents deserve better than reckless spending and financial mismanagement. Urge the City Council to stop rubber-stamping reserve depletion requests and start prioritizing long-term financial health.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Demand better.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 