WHAT IS A BUDGET?

A city budget is a planning tool that matches the services desired by the community to the estimated resources available to provide those services, such as police, fire, recreation, community development, public works, and administrative services. El Cerrito’s biennial budget provides a detailed plan for two upcoming fiscal years, as well as forecasts that attempt to anticipate future needs and opportunities.

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETINGS

The El Cerrito City Council will adopt the next biennial budget by no later than June 30, 2020. The public is always welcome to attend Council meetings. A running list of Council budget actions and other updates is shown at the right under "Budget Process Updates."

Budget Town Hall 

The public is encouraged to participate in the budget development process. The City held a Community Budget Town Hall meeting on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m in City Hall. This meeting provided an opportunity for community members to learn about the City’s budget and current financial position, budget trends over time, how the City got to our current status, and ask questions of staff and City Councilmembers in attendance.

PROPOSED FY 2020-2021 and FY 2021-2022 BIENNIAL BUDGET

Once it becomes available, you will be able to view an electronic version of the FY 2020-2021 and FY 2021-2022 Proposed Budget Book. You will also be able to review a hardcopy at City Hall and at the El Cerrito Library during business hours.

ROLE OF THE Financial Advisory Board

The Financial Advisory Board ("FAB") is a group of residents appointed to review the proposed annual (or biennial) budget and long-term financial plan for the City, in order to assist the City Council in making decisions on major expenditures and revenue sources. The FAB meets monthly and the public is welcome to attend.