Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra received a consensus of the Ceres City Council last week to look into the ever-rising costs of the city attorney.

‘Some of our costs are exceeding even what surrounding cities are paying for attorneys,” said Vierra. “And so I went to just find out why we are going over budget, why we’re doing budget amendments, and seeing if we can just kind of get a better understanding of why we’re paying more than some of our surrounding cities are paying for having a permanent attorney on staff.”

She asked for a presentation at an upcoming council meeting.

“I think it’s imperative that we take the appropriate steps to be fiscally smart, especially in the times that we are right now. And so I just ask for a presentation and a better understanding of why we’re exceeding in our budget.”

Councilman James Casey said the council always has a chance to review and approve the warrants.

“We already have in place the opportunity to question the money that we’re spending for our attorney,” said Casey. “I’m not sure what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m not sure what the referral is about.”

Four members of the council agreed to go along with the referral item.

Vice Mayor Daniel Martinez next asked for a future presentation from the city manager on the staffing levels of all city departments and where the city is with recruitment for any current vacancies.