Before residents are asked to sign anything, they deserve the full story. The City of El Cerrito is facing another push for a new tax—this time for a library at the Plaza BART station. But before rushing into another costly project with no clear financial plan, it’s important to remember how we got here—and whoContinue reading “How Greg Lyman Helped Send El Cerrito into near bankruptcy —And Now Wants a Blank Check for a New Tax”
Category Archives: City Staff
El Cerrito’s 2025–26 Budget Study: Key Highlights & Risks
On April 15, 2025, the El Cerrito City Council held a budget study session to review the preliminary Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026 budget. Budget Manager Claire Coleman presented the budget remotely via teleconference. Unfortunately, significant audio issues marred her presentation, making it difficult for the Council and the public to follow along clearly. Despite theseContinue reading “El Cerrito’s 2025–26 Budget Study: Key Highlights & Risks”
Facing Facts in El Cerrito: The Fiscal Conversation We Deserve
As El Cerrito prepares its FY 2025–2026 budget, city staff are touting a “balanced” financial plan. But residents should take a closer look. Beneath the headlines and hopeful proclamations lies a sobering fiscal reality: We are inching toward more profound structural instability, masked by one-time funding shifts and unsustainable reserve draws. The $4.5 Million AskContinue reading “Facing Facts in El Cerrito: The Fiscal Conversation We Deserve”
El Cerrito’s Charter City Governance Issues
In 2018, El Cerrito transitioned from a general law city to a charter city, a move that, on the charter City Status: El Cerrito’s Governance Gap. Unlike general law cities, which operate under the oversight and legal framework of the state of California, charter cities like El Cerrito have significant autonomy—and with that autonomy comesContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Charter City Governance Issues”
Bridging the Gap Between Symbolism and Substance
El Cerrito has often been lauded for its progressive initiatives and gestures championing inclusivity and community engagement. However, a closer examination reveals a recurring pattern: while the city excels in presenting an image of progressiveness, tangible outcomes and services often fall short of promises. This disconnect between appearance and reality raises concerns about the city’sContinue reading “Bridging the Gap Between Symbolism and Substance”
El Cerrito’s Library Plan: A Colossal Failure of Fiduciary Duty
The following blog was heavily influenced by a detailed social media post written by a longtime El Cerrito resident. The El Cerrito City Council’s library campaign to move the historic library from a location that the City already owns—and that sits adjacent to El Cerrito’s largest and oldest elementary school—is pathetic. They’re acting like theContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Library Plan: A Colossal Failure of Fiduciary Duty”
El Cerrito Is Losing Businesses
McBears – the latest victim El Cerrito has recently witnessed several prominent business closures, raising alarm about the city’s economic climate. Barnes & Noble, a fixture at El Cerrito Plaza for over 20 years, shut its doors in January 2025, leaving 22 employees without jobs. Company officials said they “didn’t have the opportunity to renewContinue reading “El Cerrito Is Losing Businesses”
El Cerrito Council’s Evasive Tactics Undermine Public Transparency
In yet another example of the El Cerrito City Council’s evasive approach to accountability, the Mayor and city manager placed a discussion on the consent calendar—effectively avoiding meaningful public engagement and absolving themselves of any responsibility for their decision-making. None of other four council members asked to pull it off consent. Instead, they said theyContinue reading “El Cerrito Council’s Evasive Tactics Undermine Public Transparency”
March 18th City Council Meeting: A Closer Look at Consent Calendar Item E
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 mattersContinue reading “March 18th City Council Meeting: A Closer Look at Consent Calendar Item E”
El Cerrito City Council Votes to Deplete Reserves—Again
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-Continue reading “El Cerrito City Council Votes to Deplete Reserves—Again”
El Cerrito: Lower Fire Risk, But Still More FTEs?
A new set of fire hazard maps released by the state paints a concerning picture for many Bay Area cities. Some communities have seen striking increases in their fire risk, with more homes now classified as being in high or very high fire hazard severity zones. But not El Cerrito. According to the updated data,Continue reading “El Cerrito: Lower Fire Risk, But Still More FTEs?”
Stop the Scare Tactics: Conduct Staffing Analysis in El Cerrito
As budget season continues, residents of El Cerrito are once again bracing for the all-too-familiar warning: “The sky is falling.” For the fifth year in a row, the city manager has refused to conduct the staffing analysis recommended by the state auditor. This analysis is necessary because of the continued trend of having expenitures outpaceContinue reading “Stop the Scare Tactics: Conduct Staffing Analysis in El Cerrito”
El Cerrito’s Reserve Fund: A Strong Safety Net or a Leaky Bucket?
The City of El Cerrito plans to dip into its reserves once again, this time pulling another $1.1 million from what it claims is a “strong” reserve fund. What they don’t say is this action reduces unrestricted reserves from $12.4 million to $11.3 million The repeated use of reserves is the exact same practice thatContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Reserve Fund: A Strong Safety Net or a Leaky Bucket?”
El Cerrito Wins CSMFO Budget Award: What Does It Really Mean?
El Cerrito recently received a budget award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), a recognition that may appear to reflect sound financial management. However, it is important to understand what this award actually measures—and more importantly, what it does not. What is the CSMFO Budget Award? The CSMFO budget award is grantedContinue reading “El Cerrito Wins CSMFO Budget Award: What Does It Really Mean?”
Understanding El Cerrito’s Check Register Limitations – microblog
The City of El Cerrito recently released its monthly disbursement and check register. While such reports might seem like a step toward transparency, they offer little insight into the city’s financial health. A check register is merely a list of payments made within a specific time frame, without providing any context about the overall budget,Continue reading “Understanding El Cerrito’s Check Register Limitations – microblog”
El Cerrito’s Tax Challenges: A Barrier to Business Growth
El Cerrito offers a unique blend of community and accessibility. However, despite its prime location, the city struggles to attract businesses and new residents. High taxes and unflattering comparisons to nearby cities—both within Contra Costa County and the Bay Area—pose significant obstacles. The High Sales Tax Problem El Cerrito imposes one of the highest salesContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Tax Challenges: A Barrier to Business Growth”
El Cerrito’s $1.6 Million Church Purchase: A Call for Financial Transparency and Strategic Planning
In January 2024, the City of El Cerrito acquired the Assemblies of God Church property on San Pablo Avenue for $1.5 million, incurring an additional $60,000 in commissions and waiving all contingencies. This decision has ignited discussions among residents about the city’s financial management and transparency. Financial Oversight and Transparency Concerns In response to aContinue reading “El Cerrito’s $1.6 Million Church Purchase: A Call for Financial Transparency and Strategic Planning”
Understanding El Cerrito’s Special Tax Bond Risks
A concerned citizen recently raised critical points about El Cerrito’s proposed $21 million bond issue for a new library, and these concerns deserve serious attention. Many residents might assume that a financial analysis of the city’s creditworthiness is required for this bond approval—but that’s not the case. Here’s why: The Reality of Special Tax &Continue reading “Understanding El Cerrito’s Special Tax Bond Risks”
Why El Cerrito Needs Better Financial Analysis
We are deeply concerned about the lack of financial transparency and decision-making in El Cerrito’s government, particularly regarding the Plaza Library effort. When we visit the city’s homepage, we see that a potential new library is being promoted. Yet, just yesterday, we received a document—an RFP for a contractor to run the library campaign. ThereContinue reading “Why El Cerrito Needs Better Financial Analysis”
The Cost of Public Safety in El Cerrito: Balancing Effectiveness and Fiscal Responsibility
In El Cerrito, our police and fire departments play a critical role in ensuring community safety. From responding to emergencies to taking preventative measures like fire inspections and crime deterrence, their work is essential. However, the cost and effectiveness of staffing these critical services require closer scrutiny, especially given the city’s ongoing financial challenges. TheContinue reading “The Cost of Public Safety in El Cerrito: Balancing Effectiveness and Fiscal Responsibility”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 