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Ceres council hears police staffing update; preliminary talks with county about transitional housing noted
Summary
Chief Perry told council the department is about seven officers short but has seven candidates in background checks; Councilmember Daniel A. Martinez said the city is exploring county-owned sites for possible transitional housing tied to a recovery program, noting the property is county-controlled and any plan would require county agreement and Planning Commission review.
The Ceres City Council received updates on public safety staffing and preliminary discussions about potential transitional housing on county-owned property during its Dec. 9 meeting.
Council member Daniel A. Martinez asked Chief Perry for the status of hiring previously approved by council. Chief Perry said the department is “about seven positions down,” with seven candidates currently in background and medical clearance stages and expected to join in January. He said the city approved additional positions earlier to increase authorized staffing from 47 to 50, but that timing of onboardings and training could leave the department temporarily below the target staffing level.
On homelessness-related work, Martinez reported the city is examining funding and a possible site that is county-owned near the SR recovery facility for transitional housing. He emphasized the property is under county control, conversations are exploratory, and previous proposals were not well received; any future work would require county agreement and return to the Planning Commission for review.
Council members pressed for clarification about whether newly approved budgeted positions are part of the incoming hires; Chief Perry confirmed the recent hires are intended to fill the authorized expansion though timing and training will affect when officers reach full solo status.
No formal action was taken; council asked staff to continue recruitment and to keep elected officials informed about discussions with county staff regarding potential transitional housing.
