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We also have the Ohlone Greenway path. One cannot say that it is too hard to bicycle to Korematsu School from the Greenway — and currently, bikes can go on Everett Street. If the Greenway is unsafe for walking and bicycling, that is a problem that should be addressed separately. I don’t think that either Richmond St. or Everett St. will be very safe for walkers or bike riders if the Richmond Street Project goes through.
I have no objection to bicycling — as long as the bicyclists use lights at night, use signals, and follow the laws. However, a considerable number of El Cerrito residents are in the “over 55” category. I believe that most of them, like myself, are unlikely to replace the use of their car with a bicycle, even for local trips.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY:
I do support pedestrian safety!
One thing about the Richmond Street Project that might be helpful would be “bulb-outs” on the corners, to make it safer for pedestrians crossing the street.
The city could also consider better lighting at intersections where pedestrians cross.
I do not mind limiting the traffic on Richmond Street to a reasonable, consistent speed, to keep pedestrians & bicyclists safe. However, there are other things besides chicanes & removing half the parking, to keep traffic flowing at a safe speed AND protect pedestrians.
FINALLY, I see that a large part of the funding for the Richmond Street Project is based on federal money, so there might be questions about whether the city will have the money to to everything in the project. Perhaps this will give the city a reason to pause and reconsider the effect of the project on all nearby residents, not just those who live on Richmond Street.
Linda Cain
El Cerrito, CA
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From: Ira Sharenow
To: Holly Charléty; City Clerk
Cc: William Ktsanes; Rebecca Saltzman; Lisa Motoyama
Subject: Item 6A CalPERS UAL
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 9:32:49 PM
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I am glad to see that the council is looking to address its CalPERS UAL.
The previous meeting was on March 2, 2021. At that
time, the UAL was just $70.3 million.
The bar chart of UAL payments showed that for FY
2026, the payment would be a bit under $7 million. It
appears as though the actual payment will be close to $8 million.
The projections in the bar 2021 chart had no projections greater than $8 million. The current bar chart has at least 8 payments above $8 million.
I think the council needs to clearly understand the
assumptions and the likely deviations from assumptions
as well as the impact.
Typically, there are 20 year bar chart projections that purport to show the eventual elimination of the UAL.
However, the UAL has been increasing by significant
amounts. So there appear to be significant misjudgments in the projections based on CalPERS assumptions
So what are the assumptions and the impacts?
Agenda Item No. 6.A.
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1. CalPERS expected return on investments
2. Discount rate
3. Expected lifespan of annuitants
4. Projected pay increases (classic plan benefits are
based on final year/best year compensation for safety
and final three years for miscellaneous, I think). Need to understand the true consequences of handing out very
large raises
5. Inflation rate
6. Other
CalPERS provides a tool for scenario analyses. I
recommend that the council appoint an ad hoc
committee to learn how to utilize the tool and then report back to the public.
The El Cerrito funded ratio of 68% is well below the
overall CalPERS funded ratio.
Google: The CalPERS Public Employees' Retirement
Fund (PERF) is estimated to have a funded status of
75% as of June 30, 2024, according to CalPERS (.gov).
This is an improvement from the previous year, which
had a funded status of 71.4%.
For the Section 115 Trust, it is important to consider the risk adjusted returns. Also it is important to consider the returns AFTER fees are deducted.
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In any case, the amount being invested in the Section
115 is minimal compared to what is needed.
Added point. When considering the unrestricted
reserves, it is important to understand the accounting
being used by management. In July the city will make a
very large UAL payment that is out the door but on paper is amortized throughout the year, I believe. Also from
July through November, the city runs a deficit as
expenditures are significantly greater than revenues until the big property tax collections is received. So the
unrestricted reserves are much lower on December 1
than on June 30. The question is how much lower?
Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
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From: Ira Sharenow
To: City Clerk; Holly Charléty
Cc: Kimberly White; William Ktsanes; Rebecca Saltzman; Lisa Motoyama Subject: Item 7B FAB Recommendation
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025 4:02:06 PM
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Why is this finance item on the consent calendar???
This proposal seems similar to the FAB $1 million proposal which the council ignores.
It is time for FAB and the council to address the
fundamental issues.
1. $89 million UAL and with UAL payments approaching
$10 million in a few years
2. Three regional fire stations with highly compensated staff paid for by El Cerrito taxpayers. There is an extra fire station and that costs millions of dollars per year.
3. Management bloat
4. Excessive dependence on consultants even though the
city is over-staffed with highly compensated managers
5. Poor budget planning – no meaningful analysis or
scenarios. Lack of adequate projections.
There needs to be fundamental changes in how El Cerrito budgets.
Given the above, El Cerrito may need a $500 per year tax to cover basics. Unfortunately, some people want a big
Agenda Item No. 7.B.
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library tax.
El Cerrito needs a study that is something like this.
https://www.phillca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22071/LONGTERM-FINANCIAL-PLAN-FY2024-2029 Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
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From: Stuart Sonatina
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment on item 7F
Date: Monday, May 19, 2025 9:37:06 PM
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Hello there,
I'd like to shoI'd like to show my support for item 7F: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO SUPPORTING STATE AND REGIONAL FUNDING FOR BAY AREA PUBLIC TRANSIT.
More mass transit, more better!
Thank you,
Stuart Sonatina
Agenda Item No. 7.F.
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From: Carrie Hobbs
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comments – agenda item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 10:08:17 AM
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Hello City Council Members,
Please vote in favor of Council Member Saltzman's resolution to back a regional funding measure for Bay Area public transit. This is a critical issue, as many transit agencies in the Bay Area are facing significant financial challenges in the coming years that could lead to substantial service reductions.
Sincerely,
Carrie Schulman
El Cerrito Resident since 2010
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From: J TP
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment for May 20 City Council meeting Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 10:22:10 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in my comment for Item 7F of this evening's meeting.
I strongly support the city's Complete Streets policy, which recognizes that streets should serve multimodes of mobility. The Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement Project is designed to begin implementing the city’s Complete Streets vision. The proposed bike lanes will enhance safety for all road users and are vital for achieving our climate objectives.
Streets aren't just for bikes. Nor are they just for cars. People should be able to choose the transportation modes they feel safe and comfortable with, and can afford.
Best regards,
Jeannie
Resident of El Cerrito
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From: Allison Cooper
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comments – agenda item #7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:25:55 AM
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Thanks so much for your time, staff and Council!
I'm writing in support of Councilmember Saltzman's proposed Resolution of Support for State and Federal Funding for Bay Area Public Transit. Our local transit infrastructure is absolutely critical to the wellbeing and future of El Cerritans, and anything we can do to support it right now must be done!
Also, shoutout to our local El Cerrito Walk & Roll group for spearheading local transit/bike/walking infrastructure support. I'm so excited for the future of my El Cerrito neighborhood with such great community support and plans for transit-oriented development! Thank you again for your time and consideration,
Allison
El Cerrito resident
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From: Max Mankita
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on Item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:30:44 AM
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Honorable Mayor and City Council
I am writing in the strongest possible support for Item 7F. State and Regional funding for Bay Area Public Transit is desperately needed to keep crucial services such as AC Transit and BART afloat. Well funded public transit is the backbone of not just El Cerrito, but also the entire Bay Area. Its continued existence will allow us to continue fighting for our goals of reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions and more affordable housing. As an El Cerrito resident I urge you to vote yes, demonstrating our community's support for the aforementioned goals.
Sincerely,
Max Mankita
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From: STEVEN PRICE
To: City Clerk
Subject: Council Member Rebecca Salzman"s resolution
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 9:43:29 AM
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Dear El Cerrito City Council,
I fully endorse Council Member Rebecca Salzman's introduction of a resolution to support state and regional funding for transit. In our culture we can't continue to assume that everyone can afford the financial burden of car ownership. Financial burdens are already hobbling people who are struggling to get ahead: housing, health care, education, groceries. Affordable transportation is key for lifting people up. This is especially acute in our area given the large number of people living in Equity Priority Communities. We were gratified by the enthusiastic turnout to the GO GREEN! Mobility Fair on April 26 which showcased affordable modes of mobility. Clearly lots of people in our community and region want affordable transportation choice.
Sincerely yours,
Steve Price
El Cerrito, CA
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From: Janet Byron
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support for item 7G and 7F on tonight"s council agenda Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:49:10 AM
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Dear City Council,
I strongly support item 7G on the consent calendar, which adopts a resolution committing to achieve compliance with the MTC's Transit-Oriented Communities policy and accepts a $270,000 grant to support zoning density around El Cerrito BART stations.
El Cerrito is blessed with two BART stations, which serve as regional transit hubs, with trains and buses taking people around the East Bay and beyond. It’s exciting that the city is working to encourage more high-density housing steps away from our regional transit hubs.
I live in Credence Condos on San Pablo Avenue and Eureka, which has made it possible to live happily without owning car. I very much look forward to welcoming more neighbors to high-density housing within a half a mile of a BART station.
I also strongly support item 7F on the consent calendar, Councilmember Saltzman’s resolution for El Cerrito to support state and regional efforts that bolster funding for public transit. Affordable, reliable transit is critical to getting people out of their cars and getting around town by other means, including transit.
El Cerrito’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan notes that fully half of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation — primarily the personal automobile. Everything you can do to support transit and multimodal transportation in town takes us closer to achieving El Cerrito’s climate goals.
Thank you,
Janet Byron
El Cerrito resident
El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk & Roll
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From: Laura Lent
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment Item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 11:52:38 AM
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This regional transit measure is truly critical to our future. Keeping public transportation available (and dare I say continuing to improve it) is vital to the Bay Area's economy and environment as well as to equity and social justice.
Locally, El Cerrito is very fortunate to have two BART stops and BART access is one reason I chose to make my home here. Please support Rebecca Salzman's proposal to back the measure.
Sincerely,
Laura Lent
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From: Corey Busay
To: City Clerk
Subject: Please support council member Saltzman’s resolution for public transit regional funding measure (item 7F) Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 12:21:11 PM
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Dear council,
Please support council member Saltzman’s resolution for the public transit regional funding measure (item 7F).
We need more funding sources to ensure that public transit is convenient and reliable, and for the different agencies to work together more seamlessly.
As the saying goes, “A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars, it's where the rich use public transport.” This resolution will help make public transit competitive with driving.
Thank you for your consideration,
Corey Busay
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From: Vanessa Warheit
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 12:25:17 PM
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Dear City Council Members,
I strongly support Councilmember Saltzman's proposal supporting state funding funding for Bay Area public transit.
Thank you,
Vanessa Warheit
, El Cerrito, CA 94530
--
Vanessa Warheit
Phone:
pronouns: she, her, hers
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From: Karen Leung
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public transit item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 12:39:16 PM
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Hello,
I'm reaching out to lend my support for item 7F. Public transit is critical for our city's present and future success.
Additionally, I would like to express my support for the Richmond Street dedicated bike lanes which Korematsu students desperately need to travel safely to and from school.
Thank you,
Karen Leung
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From: Amelia Schmale
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment for Item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 1:00:57 PM
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Hello,
I'm a constituent living at Everett Street. I'm writing to voice my support for Council Member Salzman's resolution to back regional funding measures for Bay Area public transit.
Thank you,
Amelia Schmale
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From: Jonathan Rodgers
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support for 7f
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 1:18:57 PM
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Hello,
I am a resident and would like to express support for 7F. Bart is so vital to so many people as a sustainable, affordable, and reliable source of transportation. Please ensure it gets the funding it needs to operate and serve our community.
I would also like to express support for the Richmond Street Complete Streets Improvement Project. It is quite scary operating a bike in Richmond, especially for small children. Anything we can do to make things safer and more accessible would be a welcome improvement.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jonathan Rodgers
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From: Franz Kieviet
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support for Item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 1:51:03 PM
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Dear El Cerrito City Council,
As a recent college graduate living without a car, I depend significantly on public transportation, which can sometimes present challenges. I am writing to express my concern regarding the potential for substantial service reductions across transit agencies if additional funding is not secured. Such cuts would severely impact the usability of public transportation.
Considering the urgency of the climate crisis, it is vital that we invest in and support our public transit systems. I strongly believe it is important to pass this resolution. Doing so would clearly communicate to the state that El Cerrito acknowledges the critical role of our existing public transportation network and advocates for a solution that not only safeguards current service levels but ideally allows for future expansion.
Please support this resolution and support El Cerrito's public transportation.
Sincerely,
Franz
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From: Cathy Bleier
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support transit resolution, item 7F
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 1:58:30 PM
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To Whom It may concern,
As a long-time El Cerrito resident and former 3-term member of the EC FOrest Advisory Committee, I fully support the need and role of public transit for environmental and equity reasons. I encourage the Council to support Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman’s resolution to back a regional funding measure for Bay Area public transit.
Sincerely,
Cathy Bleier
, EC
Sent from my iPhone
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From: Martin Greenberg
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item No.7.F.
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 3:08:55 PM
Importance: High
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Greetings,
My wife and I are moving from SoCal to the East Bay in August, specifically, El Cerrito.
We selected the region to be closer to our kids in Berkeley, but were drawn to El Cerrito by the small town feel, strong support for municipal improvements toward safer streets for pedestrians and bicycle riders and most importantly, an excellent transit system.
My particular disability makes it difficult for me to walk. However, I am comfortable riding a bicycle, and tend to ride 50-100 or more miles a week. In SoCal, I have excellent access to trails and safe streets with well designed intersections for safe pedestrian and cycle crossing. However, our transit system is generally poor and non-existent in most areas. The lack of adequate transit has resulted in massive car-centric infrastructure including a section of the 405 near our home with nine lanes in each direction.
While the East Bay has its share of highway infrastructure, what currently exists is nothing compared to what has evolved in SoCal over the years to meet the transportation needs of the residents in the region. Highway expansion is very costly, and adjacent communities always pay a heavy price. Supporting alternatives to car-centric mobility is essential for El Cerrito to maintain its charm and evolution toward one of the best places to live in the East Bay.
I would prefer to use my car only when necessary while living in El Cerrito, and use a combination of bicycle and transit to get most of my needs met.
Best,
Marty
Martin J. Greenberg
Office
Mobile
Fax #:
Email:
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AB 2561 Presentation:
Status of the City of El Cerrito
Vacancies and
Recruitment/Retention Efforts
Presented By:
Shannon Bassi
Human Resources Manager
Agenda Item No. 8.A.
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Background
AB 2561 requires public agencies, including
the City, to hold at least one (1) public
hearing per year to discuss vacancies,
recruitment and retention efforts. This
presentation is for informational purposes
only and discusses the City's legal
obligations under the new law, which took
effect January 1, 2025. This is the first
presentation under the new legislation.
The goal is to address issues of job
vacancies, which adversely affect service
delivery and employee workload.
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Workforce Information
Total Budgeted/Authorized Full-Time Equivalent
Positions (FTE): (Excluding five City Council Member positions) January 1, 2024: 163.8 FTE
December 31, 2024: 163.8 FTE
Bargaining Group Name FTE TOTAL
Police Employees Association (PEA) 48.0
Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (SEIU) 45.5 Management and Confidential Employees 31.8
United Professional Firefighters Local 1230 37.5
Public Safety Management Association (PSMA) 9.0
FTE BY BARGAINING GROUP
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Services Provided To The Public By
Budgeted/Authorized Workforce:
Department Overview of City Services Performed by Staff City Manager's Office
Administration, Communications, City Clerk, Human Resources, Information Technology
Community Development
Planning, Building, Housing, Economic Development, Sustainable Transportation
Finance Budget, Accounting, Payroll
Fire Fire Prevention, Operations/EMS, Code Enforcement
Police Patrol/Traffic, Field Operations, Crime Prevention, Investigations Public Works Engineering, Recycling, Maintenance, Streets Recreation Parks, Senior/Childcare Services, Aquatics, Recreational Programs Supplemental Materials Page 31 of 58
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City Wide Vacancy Information for
Calendar Year 2024
Average % of vacancies at the end
of each month: 10%
Highest % of vacancies at the end
of a month: 12%
Lowest % of vacancies at the end
of a month: 9%
2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
# of Vacancies
Beginning of the Month 20 17.5 17 16 17 14 15 16 16 15 15 16 # of Separations 1 2 1 2 0 1 1 2 3 2 1 3
# of New Hires 3 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 3 2 1 2
# of Promotions 4 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
# of Budgeted FTEs 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 163.8 % of Vacancies 12% 11% 10% 10% 10% 9% 9% 10% 10% 9% 9% 10% Supplemental Materials Page 32 of 58
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2024 Annual
Average
Vacancy Rates
By Bargaining
Unit:
Bargaining Group Name Vacancy Percentage
Police Employees Association (PEA) 14%
Service Employees International Union Local 1021 (SEIU) 12% Management and Confidential Employees 8%
United Professional Firefighters Local 1230 5%
Public Safety Management Association (PSMA) 0%
Calendar Year 2024 Annual Average Vacancy Rates
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Standard Recruitment Process
Vacancy
Approved
Recruitment
Opened
Eligibility List
Established &
Sent to
Department
Testing/
Interviews
Contingent
Offer/
Background
Process
Formal Offer
Start Date
New Hire
Orientation
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Recruitment
Information
Recruitment Statistics for 2024:
• Total # of Vacancies Filled: 21
• Average Number of Calendar Days to Fill Vacancies
(From job posting open to formal offer): 67
• Number of Vacancies Filled by:
• Existing Eligibility List: 1
• New Recruitment Opened: 12
• Promotional Recruitment: 7
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Hiring Issues
The City reviewed related policies, procedures, and recruitment activities to identify potential obstacles and solutions:
Obstacles
• Competitive Salaries: Some classification salaries were under market as shown through the compensation study
• Applicants not understanding where they are in the process and/or expected a quicker process
• Pre-employment/background process
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Hiring Issues Continued..
The City explored possible solutions to address obstacles:
• Applied salary market adjustments where necessary to remain competitive • Increased communications to candidates from HR and hiring department. Included additional timeline details listed on the job posting to align expectations • Improved recruitment branding on job postings and the website to revamp and highlight why the City is an Employer of Choice!
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Other Recruitment Goals and Strategies
Continuously examine and expand
the applicant network and reach
various, diverse community groups to
attract top talent.
Such as trade schools, community
colleges, universities, cultural interest
groups, community organizations,
professional networks, etc.
Streamline recruitment
processes and aim to
decrease the number of
days to complete the
recruitment process.
Continuously monitor salary
and benefit offerings of
comparative agencies to
remain competitive and
recruit top talent.
Work with departments to
train and promote from
within where possible.
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2024
Retention
Statistics
Total # of Vacancies Created During 2024 27
# of Vacancies Created by Newly Budgeted Positions July 1, 20240 # of Vacancies Created by Internal Promotion 12
# of Vacancies Created by Internal Transfer0
# of Vacancies Created by Retirement5
# of Vacancies Created by Involuntary Separation5
# of Vacancies Created by Voluntary Separation
9 Supplemental Materials Page 39 of 58
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QUESTIONS?
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May 20, 2025
Consideration of Fiscal Year 2024-25
One-Time Uses of General Fund Balance
Agenda Item No. 9.A.
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Budget Process –
FY 2025-26
2 • Feb 4: FY 2023-24 Audit presented to City
Council
• March 4: Mid-year update to City Council on
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25
• April 15: City Council study session on
General Fund for FY 2025-26
• May 20: City Council discussion and
direction on one-time appropriations
• Mid-Cycle update and formal adoption of
FY 2025-26 Budget in June 2025
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General Fund Balance
• 3rd Quarter General Fund
Budget Update (5/6/25)
Projected Ending Fund Balance of
$21.8M (40% reserve ratio)
Projected discretionary funds for
FY 2025-26 of $2.1M
• Assuming 17% reserve goal, EDRF,
and Section 115 Trust
3 Supplemental Materials Page 43 of 58
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One-Time Expenditures for Consideration
• Not able to be included in
FY 2025-26 operating
budget
• Requires use of
Unassigned General Fund
Balance
Recommendation:
• Allocate funds to Swim
Center and Fire
Engine/Equipment
• Allocate to
Section 115 Trust
• Appropriate funds for
Service Delivery Study
4 Description Amount
Swim Center Pool Replaster w/ ADA $3,400,000
Fire Engine 152 Replacement 1,600,000
Fire Mandated SCBA Replacement 400,000
Service Delivery Study 120,000
Office/Admin Building demolition at 10936 SPA
(former Church site) 50,000
HNA & Parks - High Priority/Hazard Tree & Vegetation
Management Work 80,000
Public Works Utility Truck/Van Purchase 60,000
Council Chambers AV Overhaul 350,000
Total $6,060,000
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El Cerrito Swim Center – Lap Pool
• Full Scope: Lap Pool Replaster &
Deck Replacement, Path of Travel
ADA Compliance and Egress work
• Approximate Full Project Cost:
~$3.4 million
Replaster Only: up to $400,000
• Construction Timeline: up to
5 months
• Possible Revenue Loss: $20,000 to
$40,000 per month (off season)
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Fire Engine and SCBA Equipment Replacement
• Fire Engine Replacement quoted at
$1.6 Million
• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) quoted at $400K
Replacement due in 2028
• Engines will take at least two years
from order to delivery
Can order with down payment of $800K
• Funds would be deposited in Vehicle
and Equipment Replacement Fund for
future purchase and/or provide
matching funds in the event of a grant
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Service Delivery Study
• Investment in professional services
to provide City Council with options
for long-term operational savings
• Review of operations and service
levels, conduct organizational
assessment, and develop
recommendations for improvement
in service delivery and cost savings
and sustainability
• Timeline: 6-8 months
7 Supplemental Materials Page 47 of 58
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Section 115 Trust
• $1.4M of assets as of March 31, 2025
• Annual UAL Costs and Normal Pension Costs can be
supplemented with the Trust
• Cost smoothing scenario depends upon amount of
contribution*
Higher contribution = higher returns and smoothing level • Funding scenarios:
Surplus per Comprehensive Financial Policy
Use of fund balance
Consider transfer of funds from the overfunded portion of the EDRF into the Trust
• Currently overfunded by $2.01 million
• Smoothing Example #1 (right) shows investment of $1.5 million over three years
8 *Source: NHA Advisor Presentation,
Smoothing Example #1
May 20, 2025
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Scenario #1 - $1M in One-Time Appropriations
9 $1 Million Investment
Swim Center Pool Replaster $500,000
Fire Engine and Equipment Replacement 180,000
Section 115 Trust 200,000
Service Delivery Study 120,000
Total General Fund Appropriation $1,000,000
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Scenario #2 - $1.5M in One-Time Appropriations
10 $1.5 Million Investment
Swim Center Pool Replaster $500,000
Fire Engine and Equipment Replacement 580,000
Section 115 Trust 300,000
Service Delivery Study 120,000
Total General Fund Appropriation $1,500,000
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Scenario #3 - $2.5M in One-Time Appropriations
Including EDRF Transfer
11 $1.5 million in One-time Appropriations & $1 million EDRF Transfer General Fund Appropriations
Swim Center Pool Replaster $780,000
Fire Engine and Equipment Replacement 600,000
Service Delivery Study 120,000
Total General Fund Appropriation $1,500,000
Transfer from the EDRF
Section 115 Trust (Reduction in EDRF) 1,000,000
Total General Fund Appropriation & EDRF Transfer $2,500,000 Supplemental Materials Page 51 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 286 of 293
Scenario #4 - $2M in One-Time Appropriations
Including EDRF Transfer
12 $1 million in One-time Appropriations & $1 million EDRF Transfer General Fund Appropriations
Swim Center Pool Replaster $500,000
Fire Engine and Equipment Replacement 380,000
Service Delivery Study 120,000
Total General Fund Appropriation $1,000,000
Transfer from the EDRF
Section 115 Trust (Reduction in EDRF) 1,000,000
Total General Fund Appropriation & EDRF Transfer $2,000,000 Supplemental Materials Page 52 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 287 of 293
Key Highlights
13 • $2.1 million projected discretionary funds available for FY 2025-26 after meeting minimum General Fund
reserve requirements
• Prioritized investments: Swim Center,
Fire Engine/Equipment, Service Delivery Study, Section
115 Trust
• Scenarios 1 and 2 propose one-time appropriations of
$1 - $1.5 million to make key investments and to
address most urgent needs
• Scenario 3 proposes $1.5 million in one- time appropriations and a $1 million transfer from EDRF to Section 115 Trust
• All Scenarios are projected to maintain (and exceed)
minimum reserve requirements totaling 30% of
General Fund expenditures (minimum is 17% for
unassigned fund balance and 13% for EDRF)
Supplemental Materials Page 53 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 288 of 293
General Fund Forecast – Scenario 2
14 Fund Balance Projection - $1.5 Million in One-Time Appropriations Amended Proposed Forecast Forecast Forecast
Actuals Actuals Budget Budget Updated Updated Updated
FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 Beginning Unassigned Fund Balance $16,624,174 $23,143,081 $12,520,448 $9,927,028 $9,942,803 $9,321,243 $8,863,407 + Net Change in Fund Balance 6,518,907 (249,743) (1,093,420) 15,775 (621,560) (457,836) (26,805) - One-Time Use of Fund Balance - - (1,500,000) - - - -
- Emergency and Disaster Recovery Fund - (9,000,000) - - - - - - Section 115 Trust (1,372,890) - - - - -
Ending Unassigned Fund Balance 23,143,081 12,520,448 9,927,028 9,942,803 9,321,243 8,863,407 8,836,602 Internally Restricted EDRF - 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000 9,000,000 Beginning Restricted Fund Balance - - 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 + Annual Net Revenue (Expense) - 1,372,890 - - - - -
Ending Restricted Fund Balance - 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 1,372,890 Total Fund Balance $23,143,081 $22,893,338 $20,299,918 $20,315,693 $19,694,133 $19,236,297 $19,209,492 Supplemental Materials Page 54 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 289 of 293
General Fund Forecast – Scenario 3
15 Fund Balance Projection - $1.5 million in One-Time Appropriations & $1 million Transfer from EDRF to Section 115 Trust Amended Proposed Forecast Forecast Forecast
Actuals Actuals Budget Budget Updated Updated Updated
FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 Beginning Unassigned Fund Balance $16,624,174 $23,143,081 $12,520,448 $9,927,028 $9,942,803 $9,321,243 $8,863,407 + Net Change in Fund Balance 6,518,907 (249,743) (1,093,420) 15,775 (621,560) (457,836) (26,805) - One-Time Use of Fund Balance - - (1,500,000) - - - -
- Emergency and Disaster Recovery Fund - (9,000,000) - - - - - - Section 115 Trust (1,372,890) - - - - -
Ending Unassigned Fund Balance 23,143,081 12,520,448 9,927,028 9,942,803 9,321,243 8,863,407 8,836,602 Internally Restricted EDRF
Beginning Balance - - 9,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 + One-Time Reduction - - (1,000,000) - - - -
Ending Balance - 9,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 Beginning Restricted Fund Balance - - 1,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 + Annual Net Revenue (Expense) - 1,372,890 1,000,000 - - - - Ending Restricted Fund Balance - 1,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 2,372,890 Total Fund Balance $23,143,081 $22,893,338 $20,299,918 $20,315,693 $19,694,133 $19,236,297 $19,209,492 Supplemental Materials Page 55 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 290 of 293
Next Steps
• Staff will make any updates based on City Council feedback • City Council provide direction by motion on selected options Staff will bring back Resolution with action on appropriations at June meeting
• Staff will provide City Council and FAB the Proposed
FY 2025-26 Budget/Spending Authority by May 22
• FAB review of FY 2025-26 budget at May meeting
• Final budget adoption for FY 2025-26 in June 2025
16 Supplemental Materials Page 56 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 291 of 293
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Ira Sharenow
To: Holly Charléty; City Clerk
Cc: Lisa Motoyama; William Ktsanes; Rebecca Saltzman
Subject: Item 9A -- One Time Uses
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025 8:59:56 AM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Management produced over $6 million in potential
expenditures. However, many items were left out.
1. Senior Center
2. Fixing the Ohlone Greenway
3. Fixing the roads
4. There are over 30 projects listed in the current budget.
Note that lost revenues for the swimming pool will be offset at least in part by lower costs for part time workers and other expenses.
What is the likelihood the pool needs to be shut down
during the summer? Does anyone have a professional
opinion?
I think it is time to acknowledge the city has serious financial issues.
I hope the city government will learn in great detail how the accrued liability is computed as that can impact the timing of any pay down.
CalPERS charges 6.8% interest. The Section 115 Trust
earned about half that rate. I believe that LAIF paid better and with far less volatility and lesser fees, I believe.
Supplemental Materials Page 57 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 292 of 293
I am also concerned about overly optimistic projections. We saw that the 2021 UAL projections were very optimistic.
If I recall correctly, in April management projected
swimming pool costs at around $2 million. Now the estimate is about double that.
Realistically, the city is going to run deficits for the foreseeable future while the infrastructure continues to decline.
Often costs are presented as one-off-we-never-expectedthis-to happen. I think the city needs to plan for these “oneoff” expenses.
I suggest that the council request the fire department to provide a status report of all of its fire engines and other equipment, so that the council knows when major repairs and replacement will be needed. Something similar should be requested of other departments.
The finance department needs to do a study similar to the Pleasant Hill study.
https://www.phillca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22071/LONGTERM-FINANCIAL-PLAN-FY2024-2029 Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
Supplemental Materials Page 58 of 58
Agenda Packet Page 293 of 293