Porterville — The council approved a City Hall American Flag Distribution Program that will replace the flag in front of City Hall periodically and retain retired flags for ceremonial presentation.

Deputy City Manager Donnie Moore described the proposed program: replace the City Hall flag each quarter beginning January 2026, store retired flags with a labeled month/year, present reusable flags as keepsakes at city events, and respectfully retire unserviceable flags. Estimated annual cost: $2,000 to come from the community promotion budget.

Council suggested tighter timing and limits. Councilman Beltran recommended at least six flags in rotation and shorter display windows (for example, one week or a few weeks rather than a full quarter) to preserve flag condition; he proposed a system where ceremonial organizations (Post 20, Porterville Military Academy, honor guards) could participate and a council vote would be needed to gift a flag. Councilman Rivas said he did not support a standing program because of the personal and ceremonial nature of flag retirement, though he did not object to occasional presentations.

Council amended staff’s recommendation to tighten timing and ensure respectful handling; the motion passed with 4 in favor and 1 abstention.

Funding and administration: staff said the program can be managed within the city manager’s office and funded from the community promotion budget; no additional appropriation was required for the estimated $2,000 annual cost.

What happens next: Staff will finalize program logistics (timing, list of eligible honorees, ceremony protocol), order flags as needed, and implement recordkeeping for retired flags.