Ceres · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ceres public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police Department Staffing Decline
The council declined to cut three police cadet positions in the academy, sparing roughly $223,000 per position. Members said public safety must come first, though patrol overtime may rise if staffing stays thin.
Fire District Annexation Revenue Sharing
The Ceres Fire Protection District wants to dissolve and join Stanislaus Consolidated. The council signed a non-binding pledge to negotiate revenue sharing so the city keeps roughly the money it gets today for serving that area, ahead of Wednesday's LAFCO hearing.
CDBG Funds Redirected to Code Enforcement
The council amended the HUD Annual Action Plan to put up to 50% of the city's $260,115 CDBG allocation toward a code enforcement officer's salary — a creative way to ease the general fund deficit. Some residents wanted the money spent on sidewalks and roads instead.
Smyrna Park Safety
Laura McCullough returned to ask for lighted crosswalks, repainted red curbs, and parking enforcement near the Smyrna Park ball fields, citing near-misses with cars. Staff explained the engineering hurdles but said red curb painting and Measure L funding may be options.
Smyrna Park safety, speeding and parking
Residents reported theft and trash at Smyrna Park; the council backed safety improvements, noting two grant-funded projects already adding crosswalk repainting and speed tables on Moffet Road.
Modesto Fire Protection Services Agreement
The council renewed the five-year fire contract with Modesto, which keeps paramedic engine service, four-person quint staffing, and a Class 2 ISO rating while shifting most Engine 19 staffing costs to Modesto. The city has saved about $1.9 million since 2021, though one councilmember wanted alternatives explored.
Lazy Wheels and Tuscany Village property conditions
Vierra asked for updates on the troubled Lazy Wheels and Tuscany Village sites. The city manager explained Lazy Wheels is transitioning out of mobile home park status after a fire, and the police chief said anyone trespassing at either property will be arrested.