Doing What They Want and Begging for What They Need

Truth is suppressed, not to protect the country from enemy agents, but to protect the Government of the day against the people.

——

Essential, But Not Budgeted: The Cost of Poor Planning in El Cerrito

El Cerrito continues to show signs of financial mismanagement—this time by failing to include known, essential expenses in the city’s FY25 budget. Despite identifying $4.5 million in “must-have” items as early this year, the city manager rolled over last year’s budget with minimal adjustments. These expenses, which include critical safety equipment for the fire department, were not publicized until months later, when staff presented a list of needs to the City Council as add-ons.

This raises a serious question: if these items were essential, why weren’t they in the original budget?

Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-off. El Cerrito often operates with a troubling sense of autonomy, making budget decisions based on internal preferences rather than public need, and only seeking community input or financial support when gaps emerge. The pattern is clear: avoid tough trade-offs in June, then return to the Council and public in the fall, asking for more money or approval for urgent expenses.

The city’s own financial track record makes this even more concerning. El Cerrito was recently named one of the 15 most at-risk cities in California out of 400, according to the State Auditor, in part due to chronic overspending and a lack of strategic planning. The Auditor recommended a series of reforms: reducing reliance on reserves, proactively managing pension liabilities, and adopting a long-term financial plan that aligns spending with sustainable revenues.

Instead of following these recommendations, city leadership continues to sidestep accountability. The inclusion of safety equipment for first responders—months after the budget was adopted—illustrates how even essential services are treated as afterthoughts. This isn’t just poor planning. It’s a fundamental failure of governance.

Residents deserve a government that puts core needs at the center of its planning process—not one that treats them as optional, then expects applause for “finding” money mid-year.

This message is especially for mid- to low-information voters who may not have the time to follow budget hearings or Council deliberations. But being informed—especially during budget season—is one of the most powerful tools residents have to push for a better-managed city.

How You Can Take Action:

Attend City Council Meetings: Ask why essential items were not included in the adopted budget. Demand better planning and adherence to the state auditor’s recommendations.
Join or Form a Community Group: Work with others who care about public safety, financial stability, and transparent government.
Stay Informed: Read budget summaries, follow watchdog groups, and review the city’s performance against its stated financial goals.
Vote for Accountability: Support candidates who take financial stewardship seriously and who are committed to responsible budgeting.

Contact the El Cerrito City Council:

Let them know this kind of budgeting is unacceptable.

• Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
  📧 cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
  🗓 Term Ends: 2026
• Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto
  📧 gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
  🗓 Term Ends: 2026
• Councilmember Lisa Motoyama
  📧 lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
  🗓 Term Ends: 2028
• Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman
  📧 rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
  🗓 Term Ends: 2028
• Councilmember William Ktsanes
  📧 wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
  🗓 Term Ends: 2028

City Clerk
📧 cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us

Our community can’t afford budgets that ignore core responsibilities. It’s time for leadership that plans responsibly—and governs with integrity.