El Cerrito’s Selective Spending: Expert Voices Without Expertise

Posted byeccrgPosted inCarolyn Wysinger, City Council Meetings, City Staff, Election 2026, Financial Mismanagement, GFOA, library, Pension, performance management, public trust, State AuditTags:, , , , , , , ,

From a recent social media discussion.

At the October 7 City Council meeting, the Council considered authorizing an additional $391,000 to Ghirardelli Associates for “construction management services” related to the El Cerrito Del Norte Transit-Oriented Development Complete Streets Project.

This wasn’t a competitive bid. It was a contract extension, justified by claims that the original 25% contingency “buffer” wasn’t enough and that more money was needed to “prevent further delays.”

Let’s be clear: when a project overruns its design costs by 25% or more, the issue is either incompetence or greed—and both should trigger scrutiny, not a rubber stamp.

Meanwhile, there is reportedly a $4 million surplus in the account. Instead of applying those funds to reserves per the City’s established waterfall system, the City rushed to spend it—pushing contract extensions and shovel-ready items through with minimal pushback.

Problematic “Expertise” at the Podium

One particularly concerning aspect is the role of a recent appointee to the Financial Advisory Board (FAB). This individual frequently speaks at Council meetings, presenting himself as both a “concerned citizen” and an informal financial expert. However, his public statements during FAB meetings and City Council sessions demonstrate a lack of understanding of public finance, public policy, and other essential elements of financial expertise. Additionally, there is no significant effort on his part to grasp El Cerrito’s complex fiscal history. Despite this, he speaks with an air of authority, and the Council often treats his comments as if they carry institutional weight.

This is deeply problematic. FAB members are not authorized to speak on behalf of the body unless specifically directed. If the Council wants an official FAB position, they need to request it through proper channels—so the board can review, deliberate, and issue a unified recommendation. Anything less is misleading to the public and undermines the purpose of civic oversight bodies.

The Council’s willingness to accept such poorly informed input—and to approve costly contract extensions with minimal resistance—shows just how weak the Council has become in El Cerrito. City manager Pinkos proposes, the Council nods along, and the public is left footing the bill.


It also raises a fair question: How was he appointed to the Financial Advisory Board without a financial background? The answer seems obvious — someone in city leadership wanted him there.

Weak Oversight, Predictable Outcomes

Selective spending like this is why trust is eroding. Residents see pet projects and consultant fees move swiftly, while basic service delivery stagnates and long-term liabilities remain woefully underfunded.

Change Starts With the Ballot Box

There are two City Council seats up for election in November 2026. If residents want stronger oversight, smarter financial management, and real accountability, it starts by electing better leaders.


Councilmembers are not passive observers—they are elected to represent the community’s interests, ask hard questions, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.


Right now, they’re not doing their job. But the community has the power to change that. Concerned citizens have been vocal on platforms like Nextdoor. The next step is organized civic action.

📝 Fact Box: $391,000 Ghirardelli Contract Amendment

  • Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
  • Action: Contract amendment (not new bid)
  • Amount: $391,000 increase
  • Reason: Original contingency buffer insufficient
  • Project: El Cerrito Del Norte TOD Complete Streets
  • Surplus: $4 million in account
  • Oversight: Weak council pushback, no FAB formal review

Summary

El Cerrito’s pattern of selective spending is clear: consultant contracts get extended without competitive bidding, surplus funds are spent down quickly rather than managed prudently, and weak oversight allows it all to continue. At the October 7 meeting, the Council approved a $391,000 contract amendment with little resistance, influenced in part by an individual presenting himself as an expert despite limited financial background. This is happening while basic service delivery continues to lag and long-term financial issues remain unresolved.


If El Cerrito is to improve its financial discipline, residents must pay close attention to how their tax dollars are being allocated — and who is shaping those decisions.

Thoughtful, informed engagement matters, especially when existing oversight structures are underutilized or ignored.


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