El Centro, Ca. – July 26, 2024 – Earlier this year, the City of El Centro contracted financial consultant Andy Heath to assist with the modernization of the city’s enterprise resource platform, enhance financial reporting systems, and transition the finance department from paper-based processes to a more efficient, technology-driven approach.
His evaluation has focused on the city’s expenditures and revenue streams, particularly identifying areas of improvement that could bolster the city’s budget. Under the direction of Mayor Sylvia Marroquin, the city formed an internal AdHoc Finance Committee to carefully examine city finances and create a plan to ensure continued fiscal responsibility. The Committee includes Mayor Marroquin, Council Member Tomas Oliva, and various City Staff.
Through Heath’s financial evaluation of the Preliminary Budget adopted for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, an estimated total surplus of $150,000 has already been identified. This is a stark contrast from the previously assumed shortfall of $1,769,298, which was set to be covered by the City’s Reserve Fund Balance of $26,579,171.
“This prudent approach has reaped the benefits of the work that the AdHoc Committee and Mr. Heath have put toward a simpler yet balanced approach to our City’s finances,” said Mayor Sylvia Marroquin.
Mr. Heath has more than three decades of public sector finance experience, including municipal and county finance outside of Imperial County.
The City of El Centro will have a special meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, to review and adopt amended policies and an updated budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 since the surplus was identified.
