Members of the Ceres City Council may have adopted a donation policy in October but it led to so much confusion that changes were made to it last week.
Police Chief Trenton Johnson, who was interim city manager for a week, said the revisions change the amounts of donations that each councilmember may make from either $5,000 or two donations of $2,500 of city money or five donations of $1,000.
The policy also clarifies that groups are eligible to request donations as long as they are a 501 C groups. Previously the requirement of it being a 501C(3) organization disqualified legitimate non-profit groups of the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) from being considered for a donation.
Mayor Javier Lopez said he supported members being able to donate up to $5,000 per year of city money in increments ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
“That will give the ability for members of the public who have these nonprofits to help them in whichever capacity and we do have a lot of organizations in the city of Ceres that really do need help,” said the mayor.
Councilwoman Cerina Otero sought clarification that requires a group submitting an event flyer when perhaps the donation isn’t going to an event.
Vice Mayor Daniel Martinez agreed, noting how he filled out a request from the Knights of Columbus to donate for a fish fry but the event has passed and he still wants to give the group a donation.
Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra understood that the purpose of the donations was to support events that would draw outsiders into Ceres and help boost Ceres’ tax base.
“I would like to continue to support local events in the city and bring those tax dollars back to the city to replace the money that’s being used,” said Vierra.
Councilman James Casey said he didn’t understand why the policy was being changed but the mayor it was due to some miscommunication between the council and city staff.
“So it was more of a point of clarification, sir,” Lopez told Casey.
In the end, the council determined that donations don’t necessarily have to be spent on events.
The council supported the changes 4-1 with Casey voting no.
