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Ceres council plans workshop ahead of Modesto fire contract renewal after calls for public input
Summary
Council members asked for public involvement and a workshop before deciding whether to renew a five‑year contract for fire services with Modesto, citing the contract's size, funding sources and alternatives such as restarting a local department.
The Ceres City Council agreed March 10 to hold a public workshop before voting on renewal of a five‑year contract with the Modesto Fire Department, after members said residents should have a chance to weigh in on the costs and service options.
Council Member Casey said the city should not assume renewal is the only option. "Maybe there's another solution," Casey said, urging staff to analyze the costs of restarting a local department versus continuing the contract.
Council members raised questions about how the contract is funded. Council Member Vieira noted that a contract can reduce overtime and other personnel‑cost volatility but said the public deserves clarity about how funding is allocated. Staff cited a contract figure discussed in the meeting of approximately $66,378.46 and said roughly 60% of the cost is paid from the general fund and 40% from Measure H.
The city manager and staff told the council they will begin reviewing the contract next month and recommended a workshop before the formal presentation and any vote. Council members agreed that staff should present detailed cost comparisons and options, including the estimated costs to reestablish a local department (recruitment, equipment, retirement and facility repairs) so the public could consider tradeoffs.
The workshop will be scheduled ahead of the contract presentation slated to come back to council next year; staff said the item could be refined in May and, if changes are needed, returned for a vote in June 2026. The council did not take a final vote on the contract at the March 10 meeting.
The discussion followed a motion and general consensus that the community should be included in deliberations about a high‑cost, long‑term public safety contract.
