Ceres · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ceres public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Business Assessment Levy
Downtown business owners vented about parking and a rundown look before the October 12 hearing on the annual assessment. The council promised better outreach, signage for the community center lot, and Otero wants a dedicated downtown advisory committee.
2024-25 City Audit Errors and Tabled Acceptance
The city's annual audit came back with typos, mismatched numbers, and a misleading funding label, and the council refused to approve it as-is. Since the audit goes on the city website and is used for historical reference, accuracy matters.
Grant Writing and Federal Advocacy Services Contract
The city is spending $42,690 from reserves to keep its grant-writing consultant through a tight budget year, betting the $26-per-dollar return pays off. A state grant application for the American Legion Hall is due September 30, and a separate $4.2 million federal request is still pending in Congress.
1987 Landscaping and Lighting District Assessments
The council moved toward a 3.1% assessment increase for the 1987 LLD despite residents complaining services aren't being delivered. A public hearing is set for August 10.
CARES Act Audit and RAD Funding Review
The council agreed to review whether the city met federal single audit requirements for 2021 CARES Act spending, after a resident noted grant revenue far exceeded the $750,000 threshold.
Measure H Oversight and Expenditure Plan
The city had not adopted a Measure H expenditure plan since 2017, despite its ordinance requiring annual plans. The council ratified the FY 2027 plan and added a public breakdown of what the half-cent sales tax funds.
Forensic audit of the past five years
Council Member Otero again urged her colleagues to order a forensic financial audit, saying it would examine material weaknesses and policy compliance — not necessarily fraud. No action was taken.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY2027-32)
The city's five-year wish list of infrastructure projects was up for its annual review and a recommendation to the City Council. It shapes which streets, parks and utilities get funded in the coming years.
Berlier lawsuit settlement
The council settled the Matthew Berlier case for $350,000, pending risk pool sign-off — one of several lawsuits driving the city's rising legal costs.
Workforce vacancies and retention
The city has 161 funded positions, filled 22 of 27 vacancies last year, and keeps 98.7% of staff. Police vacancies dropped from 22% to 16.8% after a new four-year labor agreement.