Ceres City Manager Discusses Vision Amid Challenges

Ceres, California — Doug Dunford, the City Manager of Ceres, sat down for an extensive interview on March 17, 2025, at his temporary office in the Ceres Police Department, where City Hall is undergoing renovations. With a background in law enforcement and public administration, Dunford is approaching his second year in the role, succeeding Alex Terrazas.

Dunford, originally from Missouri, moved to California at the age of 13. He detailed his journey in public service, starting as a reserve deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1978 and advancing through various law enforcement roles over the years. His extensive experience includes positions as police chief in multiple cities and, most recently, serving as city manager in Gustine before moving to Ceres.

Reflecting on his current role, Dunford noted the challenges Ceres faces, particularly regarding finances. “We’re still living on 2005 funding,” he explained, highlighting the necessity of raising sales tax and user fees to accommodate the city’s growth and infrastructure needs.

A significant issue for Ceres, according to Dunford, is its proximity to Modesto and Turlock, which often overshadow Ceres in terms of economic development. “We’re trying to change that perception,” he said, emphasizing the need for Ceres to become a destination rather than just a pass-through town.

Dunford remains optimistic about future projects, such as the proposed Copper Trails development, which aims to attract major retailers to bring more business into the city. He pointed out that many shoppers currently do not reside in Ceres, indicating a potential market that the city aims to capture.

During the interview, Dunford spoke about his experience in California City, which he described as a “learning experience” due to its lack of a clear vision for growth. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure and planning to successfully develop Ceres.

Discussing the role of a city manager, Dunford likened it to that of a CEO, managing various departments and carrying out the city council’s vision. He acknowledged the complexities of addressing citizen complaints and navigating budget constraints but defended the city’s efforts, stating, “We’re looking at how we make ends meet.”

Dunford also talked about resident communications, expressing that while feedback from citizens is crucial, many misunderstandings arise from a lack of information. He encourages residents to attend council meetings for clarity on decisions being made.

Notably, he addressed public misconceptions regarding the city’s ability to control which businesses locate in Ceres. “We can’t say no to businesses based on public sentiment once zoning allows it,” he clarified.

Budgetary concerns emerged as a dominant theme, with Dunford acknowledging that Ceres has not raised sewer rates in nearly a decade, complicating infrastructure improvements and maintenance.

In terms of employee morale, Dunford noted positive changes in the Ceres Police Department, attributing improvements to effective leadership and better hiring practices. However, he admitted that competitive pay remains a challenge, as surrounding cities offer more attractive compensation packages.

As the interview concluded, Dunford reflected on his commitment to the role, stating, “I enjoy it as long as the council lets me.” His passion for mentoring and engaging with the community underscores his approach to public service and development in Ceres.