Tuesday’s FY25/26 budget presentation of the preliminary budget by Claire Coleman marks a significant step forward. The extensive outreach efforts and increased transparency throughout the budgeting process are impressive and commendable, laying a strong foundation for informed decision-making and fiscal responsibility. Claire’s talent is evident, as she overshadowed the Finance Director (who hasn’t presented duringContinue reading “A Timeline of Fiscal Turmoil: El Cerrito’s Financial Mismanagement from 2018 to 2024”
Category Archives: Transparency
El Cerrito’s Fiscal Future: Citizen Concerns and Council Considerations
A long-time El Cerrito resident attending Tuesday’s City Council Proposed Budget Hearing, shared some concerns. While not an expert in city government or fiscal policy, their interest was piqued when Measure B appeared on the ballot. Desperately desiring a new library, they were disappointed to vote against it after seeing how efficiently nearby cities managedContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Fiscal Future: Citizen Concerns and Council Considerations”
Maximizing Efficiency and Savings – Evaluating Staffing and Span of Control in El Cerrito, California
Welcome to El Cerrito, California – a vibrant community nestled in the East Bay region, home to approximately 25,000 residents. As El Cerrito strives to provide services to its inhabitants, it’s essential to evaluate its operational structure to ensure optimal resource allocation. Recent observations suggest that El Cerrito’s management hierarchy may be disproportionately top-heavy comparedContinue reading “Maximizing Efficiency and Savings – Evaluating Staffing and Span of Control in El Cerrito, California”
El Cerrito Budget Update: Explosive Growth in Spending
The City of El Cerrito has released its FY 2025 budget document, providing a detailed look at the fiscal year 2024 financial data. A quick glance reveals a concerning trend: the city’s spending continues to outpace its revenue, leading to significant deficits. Notably absent from the budget is any mention of how the city plansContinue reading “El Cerrito Budget Update: Explosive Growth in Spending”
Stepping Up to Serve: A Guide to Running for El Cerrito City Council
Preparedness for Running for El Cerrito City Council Embarking on a political campaign requires not just passion and dedication but also a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. If you’re contemplating a run for the El Cerrito City Council, taking the time to properly prepare yourself can make a significant difference in the effectiveness andContinue reading “Stepping Up to Serve: A Guide to Running for El Cerrito City Council”
It’s Election Year Again: Evaluating Our City Council’s Performance
Three out of the five council members’ terms are set to expire this year. As the election season approaches, our community stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on the performance of our sitting city council members who are seeking re-election. Their tenure has been marked by numerous responsibilities, each critical to the well-being and progressContinue reading “It’s Election Year Again: Evaluating Our City Council’s Performance”
Shifting Leadership: The Potential Impact of Thorough Evaluations on City Management
Is it possible that the mere act of thorough performance evaluations by the El Cerrito City Council could lead to significant improvements in city management or prompt changes in leadership? This question comes to mind when considering the recent resignation of Berkeley City Manager Dee Williams-Ridley. Berkeley’s top city administrator, Dee Williams-Ridley, announced her resignationContinue reading “Shifting Leadership: The Potential Impact of Thorough Evaluations on City Management”
El Cerrito City Council Budget Study: A Closer Look at Community Concerns and Financial Management Challenges
On Tuesday, Will Provost, Assistant to the City Manager, and Claire Coleman, the newly appointed Budget/Financial Services Manager, presented the El Cerrito City Council Budget Study. Their presentation highlighted efforts to solicit community feedback and input and conveyed a robust plan for navigating the next two fiscal years. The city has notably increased public engagementContinue reading “El Cerrito City Council Budget Study: A Closer Look at Community Concerns and Financial Management Challenges”
El Cerrito’s Controversial New Library Proposal: A Reflection of Urban Priorities? 2nd Edition
In the quaint city of El Cerrito, California, a new library proposal is stirring more than just the usual public interest in civic developments. This proposal, reflective of broader urban planning trends, seems to overlook crucial aspects of resident safety and well-being, raising concerns among the community members, especially the elderly and those who dependContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Controversial New Library Proposal: A Reflection of Urban Priorities? 2nd Edition”
Challenges with Parking at the Planned Plaza Library: A Look at the Numbers and the Ongoing Need for Transparency
This edition is heavily influenced by concerned citizen’s public communications. Parking considerations for the upcoming Plaza Library have become a central issue, especially in light of a proposed $300 property tax measure set for this November. This tax is expected to persist even after the library’s completion, and notably, the city will not own theContinue reading “Challenges with Parking at the Planned Plaza Library: A Look at the Numbers and the Ongoing Need for Transparency”
A Need for Economic Diversity and Stability
El Cerrito continues to face significant fiscal challenges, with a budget that struggles to meet the demands of its residents. While the city has experienced some positive developments in revenue generation, primarily through enhanced sales tax collections from local businesses, the composition of these businesses—including massage parlors, liquor stores, adult stores, and a cannabis outlet—suggestsContinue reading “A Need for Economic Diversity and Stability”
El Cerrito’s Financial Claims: Let’s Look Closer
El Cerrito, recognized for its dynamic community, strategic location, and picturesque settings. The City Manager Karen Pinkos maintains that the city’s financial health is strong, but a closer examination suggests a more complicated financial reality. Detailed Financial Assessment The city’s reported $15.7 million in total reserves masks underlying issues, particularly the distinction between restricted andContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Financial Claims: Let’s Look Closer”
Improving the Engagement and Transparency of El Cerrito’s Leadership: Addressing Broken Promises and the Path Forward
El Cerrito’s leadership has consistently made promises to enhance community living through the development of a new library, a senior center, and better overall services. These assurances have come from elected officials who have pledged their commitment to the well-being of El Cerrito residents. However, the reality of these commitments has come into question, particularlyContinue reading “Improving the Engagement and Transparency of El Cerrito’s Leadership: Addressing Broken Promises and the Path Forward”
Budget Workshop and Upcoming FAB Meeting
El Cerrito, a city known for its vibrant community and scenic views, is currently facing significant financial challenges. In light of the recent budget workshop held on April 6, 2024, and the upcoming Financial Advisory Board meeting on April 23, 2024, it’s crucial for residents to dive deep into the city’s fiscal health. This postContinue reading “Budget Workshop and Upcoming FAB Meeting”
Overview of Local Tax Measures in Contra Costa County and El Cerrito
El Cerrito residents are already facing a high tax burden. When purchasing our home, we were impacted by the Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) on top of existing taxes. Now, on the heels reducing library hours the City is now asking us to take on even more financial responsibility on top of an existing base:Continue reading “Overview of Local Tax Measures in Contra Costa County and El Cerrito”
El Cerrito’s Library Campaign: A Costly Endeavor with Unanswered Questions
Microblog In a surprising revelation through a public information request, it’s disclosed that El Cerrito has spent a whopping $170,357.29 on a library campaign, with additional costs for staff time likely pushing total expenditures over $200,000 since January 1, 2023. Despite these hefty investments, the city failed to secure state grants and explore other opportunitiesContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Library Campaign: A Costly Endeavor with Unanswered Questions”
El Cerrito’s Library Dilemma: Navigating the Maze of Options and Opportunities
Celebrating Library Week Amidst Contemplation On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, El Cerrito marked Library Week with a notable presentation by Heidi Goldstein, a local librarian. The event highlighted the somewhat underappreciated El Cerrito Library, which, despite its outstanding staff and resources, sees limited foot traffic except during school dismissal times. This underutilization calls for increasedContinue reading “El Cerrito’s Library Dilemma: Navigating the Maze of Options and Opportunities”
The Misguided Motivations Behind Pursuing Local Government Roles: A Closer Look
The journey into local government is often paved with good intentions. At the heart of many decisions to run for local office is a simple, powerful desire to help. This motivation, pure and commendable in its essence, is the driving force behind countless campaigns and initiatives. Yet, the landscape of local governance is rife withContinue reading “The Misguided Motivations Behind Pursuing Local Government Roles: A Closer Look”
Empowering Civic Engagement: Six Ways to Make a Difference in El Cerrito’s Future
In the vibrant community of El Cerrito, each resident holds the potential to shape the city’s future and contribute to its growth, prosperity, and community needs. Engaging in civic activities enhances your understanding of local governance and empowers you to make meaningful changes. Upon my arrival in El Cerrito in the post-pandemic world, I wasContinue reading “Empowering Civic Engagement: Six Ways to Make a Difference in El Cerrito’s Future”
El Cerrito Library Location
I am concerned about our City Council’s determination to move our city’s library from the current location on Stockton Avenue to the planned Plaza BART development. Hoping to start a community discussion of the issue, I wrote an opinion article which was printed in the March newsletter of the El Cerrito Democratic Club (ECDC). ThisContinue reading “El Cerrito Library Location”
El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 