Mayor Lopez on JPA Assessment: “A Slap in the Face to Our Community”

Mayor Lopez on JPA Assessment: “A Slap in the Face to Our Community”

On Monday, August 25, 2025, the Ceres City Council faced a difficult but necessary decision regarding a special assessment levied by the Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS) Joint Powers Authority (JPA). By a 4-0 vote. Councilmembers Martinez, Vierra, Casey, and myself, approved a budget amendment to begin making the required payments while reserving the City’s right to pursue potential litigation.

This decision was not taken lightly. The City of Ceres, along with several other municipalities across California, has been handed a financial burden resulting from the JPA’s lack of transparency, poor communication, and what appears to be financial mismanagement. The notice to the City came only at the “dark hour,” leaving us with little choice but to respond under pressure as i took it “pay now or face penalties” ultimatum, including a 1% monthly interest charge on any missed or delayed payments.

Protecting Taxpayers and Employees:

As mayor, I view this assessment as a slap in the face to Ceres and to the taxpayers who trust us to responsibly manage their dollars. The City’s budget has had to be amended because of this unanticipated liability, totaling over $1.35 million, with immediate impacts of $750,108.30 this fiscal year alone.

Council chose to pay in monthly installments of $75,000 rather than upfront in order to protect our budget and limit the strain on taxpayers. This approach ensures that our community does not absorb an unnecessary financial shock all at once, while preserving flexibility as the situation develops.

Most importantly, I want to reassure our city staff and their families: no one is losing their medical insurance coverage. The City is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to employees and their families by securing continued coverage. We are already working with Keenan and Associates to transition to a new provider beginning January 1, 2026.

A Call for Accountability:

Ceres is not alone, other cities are also being forced to pay for FRMS’s missteps. As your mayor, I cannot speak for the entire council, but I encourage residents to review the recording of Monday’s council meeting, where councilmembers expressed their own questions, concerns, and frustrations with this process.

The City of Ceres will continue to meet its obligations responsibly, protect employees’ benefits, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. To the residents of Ceres: I remain committed to leading with honesty, responsibility, and a clear focus on protecting our city’s financial stability while ensuring our staff and their families receive the benefits they depend on.

FRMS BILL TO CERES: $1,350,194.98Council Vote: 4–0 (8/25/25)Plan: $75,010.83/month × 18 pending possible litigation

FY 2026 TOTAL: $750,108.30• General Fund: $472,568.23• Water Fund: $150,021.66• Sewer Fund: $127,518.41

FY 2027 TOTAL: $600,086.68• General Fund: $378,054.60• Water Fund: $120,017.34• Sewer Fund: $102,014.74

No one is losing insurance. Coverage continues in 2025. New provider starts 1/1/26.Why monthly? Protects taxpayers & preserves flexibility while disputes are resolved.

— Mayor Javier Lopez