Happy Thanksgiving from the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government! As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, we at the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you – our valued readers and supporters. This year has beenContinue reading “Happy Thanksgiving”
Category Archives: Financial Mismanagement
El Cerrito Library Survey Results: Public Outcry Leads to Release of Key Findings
After substantial public pressure, El Cerrito has released selected findings from the library survey. The results reveal significant concerns about the city’s management and financial planning, particularly regarding the library project. Key Survey Findings: The survey results suggest a lack of confidence in the City’s management and transparency, especially in financial matters. Despite having aContinue reading “El Cerrito Library Survey Results: Public Outcry Leads to Release of Key Findings“
City Manager Up to Her Tricks – Again
For those who may not have seen it, EECRG is running this blog originally posted on September 29, 2022. We previously shared a blog post a little over a year ago, and it has become increasingly evident that the City Manager is pursuing an independent agenda. Despite the 2020 findings of the State Auditor’s Report,Continue reading “City Manager Up to Her Tricks – Again”
What Is El Cerrito Hiding?
In March 2023, El Cerrito entered into contracts with both Gobe Research and Reynolds Strategies. One was for a contract for a research survey of El Cerrito voters, and the second was to assist the city with planning a strategy for a library bond measure. One contract was for 34,775 and the other was forContinue reading “What Is El Cerrito Hiding?”
More taxes to cover mismanagement – a fool’s errand.
El Cerrito’s Tax Dilemma: A Call for Accountability and Transparency El Cerrito boasts one of the most robust tax bases in California, yet there’s an ongoing push for even higher taxation. Alongside this, questions arise about the city’s responsible use of the previously approved taxes. Sales Tax in El CerritoAs of October 2023, El Cerrito’sContinue reading “More taxes to cover mismanagement – a fool’s errand.”
El Cerrito Wants to Charge a $300 / year Forever Tax
While El Cerrito’s population may be relatively small at 25,000, the city is ambitiously proposing a $21 million library project, which translates to an investment of $840 per resident towards its construction. This ongoing tax of around $300 per homeowner will sustain the library’s operations long after its completion. The city commissioned surveys among ElContinue reading “El Cerrito Wants to Charge a $300 / year Forever Tax”
Public Information Is Not Public in El Cerrito
Holly M. Charléty was appointed as City Clerk for the City of El Cerrito in January 2019. Ms. Charléty began her local government career as a Municipal Clerk in 2011 with the City of Sacramento, where her responsibilities included facilitation of election processes, regulatory filing compliance, and oversight of Board and Commission members. ——————— PromptContinue reading “Public Information Is Not Public in El Cerrito”
Not a Good Idea to Renew the City Manager’s Contract
This Series:YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTIONis titled: Renewal of the City Manager’s Contract: A Call for Consideration During the Public Works presentation, the City Manager, while participating remotely, was heard saying, “Yvetteh, Shut the F word (profanity) up!” The City Manager’s recent conduct has raised significantContinue reading “Not a Good Idea to Renew the City Manager’s Contract”
Overtaxed and Underperforming
El Cerrito recently distributed a mailer seeking support for an upcoming tax increase proposal while emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. However, examining the City Manager’s track record in these areas is crucial before embracing the rhetoric. One concerning instance is the city’s expenditure of half a million dollars to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit,Continue reading “Overtaxed and Underperforming”
Business as Usual
While other cities placed a moratorium on travel and meals when revenues decreased during the pandemic, El Cerrito was business as usual, spending recklessly and mismanaging public funds. On April 30, 2022, the city manager spent $583.66 at San Rafael Joe’s – not an El Cerrito establishment. Apparently, there was a gathering for department heads,Continue reading “Business as Usual”
Performance Management
Series: Performance is only as good as the evidence indicates. Why does El Cerrito pay the City Manager over $235,000 plus generous benefits and perks just to have a pulse? Scott Hanin, who served as the City Manager at that time, announced his retirement, effective at the end of the calendar year 2018. In responseContinue reading “Performance Management”
Performance Management
Series: Performance is only as good as the evidence indicates. ICYMI, working hard in and of itself is not a reflection of outstanding leadership. Performance measurement is essential to the success of any City Manager because executives do not get paid to tread water, or make excuses but to consistently deliver measurable results. PerformanceContinue reading “Performance Management”
The deceit from El Cerrito has no bounds
YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION is titled -The deceit from El Cerrito has no bounds Last week, EECRG reported the lack of transparency in presenting the financials to the public. The October meeting agenda, released Thursday, continues silence on Financial Updates and the fiscal year endingContinue reading “The deceit from El Cerrito has no bounds”
YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION is titled GFOA Best Practices Budget on Achieving a Structurally Balanced Budget
Adopt rigorous policies for all operating funds aimed at achieving and maintaining a structurally balanced budget According to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), “Most state and local governments are subject to a requirement to pass a balanced budget. However, a budget that may fit the statutory definition of a “balanced budget” may not beContinue reading “YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION is titled GFOA Best Practices Budget on Achieving a Structurally Balanced Budget”
Waste and Abuse
This Series: YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION Part I Tyree Scott was a U.S. labor leader and civil rights activist deeply involved in many minority workers’ and equal opportunity organizations. His quote, ‘You can’t just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solutionContinue reading “Waste and Abuse”
Oversight Needed
The last blog focused on DEEP DENIAL: More than Guard Rails Needed. This episode spotlights FUTURE TAX INITIATIVES SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO OVERSIGHT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS. When finding a solution to the operating crisis facing El Cerrito, the only plan coming from City leaders is more taxes. Like many other Cities, El Cerrito adopted aContinue reading “Oversight Needed”
Deep Denial; More Guard Rails Needed
The last edition spotlighted the Need for Guard Rails. This edition highlights DEEP DENIAL: More than Guard Rails Needed. El Cerrito Council members have already missed and plan to miss future opportunities to address community challenges because they opted for an abbreviated summer schedule. According to the National League of Cities, local legislators and councilmembersContinue reading “Deep Denial; More Guard Rails Needed”
Time For The Guard Rails
The last blog focused on Deceit: How City Leadership Has Repeatedly Misled the Community. Today’s blog is titled Time For The Guardrails! The competing goals are playing themselves out as the volunteer three-member Financial Advisory Board tries to implement a policy for the General Reserve Fund for the City. What are these goals? Obviously, theContinue reading “Time For The Guard Rails”
Broken Promises
The last blog focused on the MORE TAXPAYER MONEY, PLEASE, and the eminent ask for more taxpayer bailouts. This episode spotlights Broken Promises: The myth that City Leadership allocates resources to improve the lives of El Cerrito residents. A new Library, a Senior Center, better services — these things elected El Cerrito Officials mindlessly assureContinue reading “Broken Promises”
MORE TAXPAYER MONEY, PLEASE
The last blog focused on the unbalanced budget and the eminent use of general fund reserves to balance the budget. This episode spotlights on MORE TAXPAYER MONEY, PLEASE. When finding a solution to the operating crisis facing El Cerrito, the only plan coming from City leaders is more taxes. That’s not a plan, but unlimitedContinue reading “MORE TAXPAYER MONEY, PLEASE”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 