Michael Beltran has been appointed as city engineer for the city of Ceres, replacing Kevin Waugh who abruptly resigned on Jan. 8.

Beltran was hired among three applicants who exceeded the requirements of the position. Interviews were held on Jan. 30, with the candidates.

Beltran brings 18 years of experience in the engineering field to Ceres. He has both private and governmental experience as an engineer. He was appointed the city of Merced’s Director of Engineering in 2019. While there Beltran was responsible for a staff of 12 and worked on the Highway 59 project and Merced airport terminal project.

Beltran’s salary starts at $14,875 per month, or $178,500 per year.

There has been high turnover in the city engineer position. Daryl Jordan served from October 2014 to 2019, and was replaced by Daniel Padilla who remained for two years. When Padilla left in June 2021 he was replaced by Waugh who suddenly left the city last month with city park renovation projects in the works.