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Ceres council accepts donated SWAT truck but members raise concern about reliance on association funding
Summary
Council voted 5–0 to accept a fully outfitted Ford F-150 donated for SWAT operations, while council members and the police chief said reliance on association donations points to a need for improved long-term fleet planning and budget forecasting.
The Ceres City Council voted unanimously Jan. 26 to accept a donated, fully outfitted Ford F-150 to be used for SWAT operations, but several council members used the discussion to push for clearer, long-term fleet planning.
"The men and women of these associations shouldn't have to worry about raising funds for high costs," Councilwoman Otero said while expressing support for the donation, arguing the city should not rely on employee associations to buy mission-essential equipment.
The police chief told the council the department and staff are developing a three-year strategic plan for the fleet so future replacements are predictable and budgeted. "We are working on a 3 year strategic plan for just our fleet in general so that moving forward, we do have a good idea of what we're gonna need to replace," the chief said.
Vice Mayor Martinez moved to accept the donation and authorize the city manager to complete the transfer of ownership from the police department to the city; the motion passed on a 5–0 roll call.
The council recorded no immediate general-fund commitment at the meeting, and the chief said priorities and replacement timelines will be included in forthcoming budgets.
