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Local manufacturer warns of imminent closure, offers $200,000 if council approves deal
Summary
Case Manufacturing told the council it could close within days without immediate action and offered a $200,000 upfront payment and 3% ongoing tax in a ‘good‑faith’ proposal; the plea prompted no immediate vote during public comment.
Andy Harttog, chief operations officer of Case Manufacturing, told the Ceres City Council during public comment that his company had invested $15 million in local operations and already paid $1.7 million in taxes, but was days away from losing clients and closing without council action.
“We are ready to write the check,” Harttog told the council. “We have made a bonafide offer, $200,000 upfront immediately, 3% ongoing tax, and full financial transparency, including bank statements.”
Harttog said the firm had already lost employees and clients were threatening to leave if the council did not approve a resolution that would allow Case to continue operating in Ceres. He urged the council to act that night to preserve jobs and tax revenue.
Council response and next steps: Council did not take a formal vote or adopt a resolution during the meeting. City staff did not present a recommended item tied to the offer during the public‑comment period, and no formal motion to accept or negotiate the proposed check was recorded in the minutes. Council members asked staff to evaluate budget and contract questions later during the evening’s agenda, but no immediate council action resolved Case Manufacturing’s request.
What to watch: Council staff will review any written offer from Case Manufacturing and the city manager will determine whether to place a contracting or agreement item on a future agenda for formal consideration and potential approval.
