The City of El Cerrito, like many municipalities, manages a complex budget with competing priorities. While some items seem routine, a closer look often reveals significant financial decisions that deserve public scrutiny.
One such item on the recent consent calendar—Item E—raises important questions about fiscal responsibility and transparency. Typically, consent calendar items cover routine matters or resolutions with no or no financial impact. However, in this case, the City Council is considering a substantial financial commitment buried within a procedural vote.
Breaking Down Item E
Item E pertains to the El Cerrito del Norte Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Complete Streets Project. Specifically, the council is being asked to approve an additional $400,000 in contract change orders for construction, bringing the total approved change order amount to $1,340,000. The project, identified as City Project No. C4014 and partially funded through Federal Project No. CML 5239(029), aims to enhance accessibility and transportation infrastructure near the El Cerrito del Norte BART station.
On the surface, this may appear to be a necessary step in advancing a critical infrastructure project. However, the broader budgetary context raises concerns.
Why $400,000 Matters
During the last meeting, the City Council approved a $1 million withdrawal from unrestricted reserves. This means that a $400,000 increase—while seemingly small in isolation—represents a significant portion of the city’s funds. Given El Cerrito’s financial challenges in recent years, residents and stakeholders should ask whether this expenditure is essential or if it could have been anticipated in the original contract.
Moreover, approving large expenditures via the consent calendar limits public discussion and oversight. Should a $400,000 allocation be treated as routine?
Fiscal Responsibility and Public Trust
El Cerrito has faced ongoing financial scrutiny, including concerns about budget deficits, reserve depletion, and tax increases. Transparency in financial decisions—especially those involving reserves and major projects—is critical to maintaining public trust. If infrastructure improvements are truly needed, residents deserve a full accounting of cost overruns, contract management, and the long-term impact on city finances.
This issue highlights the need for greater oversight in how El Cerrito handles its budget and reserves. City leaders should provide clear justifications for additional expenditures, particularly when they involve dipping further into public funds.
What’s Next?
As residents and local stakeholders, we must ask key questions:
• Why weren’t these additional costs anticipated in the original contract?
• How will this $400,000 affect other city priorities?
• Is there a more transparent way to handle major financial decisions rather than bundling them into the consent calendar?
Make Your Voice Heard
El Cerrito’s financial future depends on responsible planning and transparent governance. While infrastructure projects are vital, the way funds are allocated and approved should not be overlooked. Residents deserve to know where their money is going and why it’s being spent.
Community members are encouraged to attend Tuesday’s meeting and share their concerns with the City Council and City Clerk:
• 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
Let them know that financial decisions of this magnitude deserve more transparency and public input. Demand accountability for budget allocations and ask for a full explanation of these cost increases.
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 