Time Well Spent

“In the last five years, I’ve had three city managers… but you have been my favorite.”

Those were my words, and I meant every one of them.

Serving alongside City Manager Doug Dunford has been one of the most meaningful professional relationships I’ve had since becoming Mayor. Over the past few years, we’ve worked through challenges, tackled long-standing issues, and pushed forward a vision for Ceres that is finally taking shape. Today, I share with our community that Doug Dunford has announced his resignation or shall we say his retirement, with his last day being April 3rd, due to a family medical emergency.

This is not just a transition in leadership, it’s a moment to reflect on time well spent.

When Doug stepped into the role, I remember sitting down with him and laying out a long list of things that needed to get done. It wasn’t a short list. It was the kind of list that had built up over years! Projects, priorities, and problems that demanded attention. And what stood out immediately was this: he didn’t shy away from it. He embraced it.

Not only did he help us work through that list, he added to it. He challenged me. He pushed the organization forward. He brought ideas to the table that many of us hadn’t even considered, including major infrastructure conversations like the need for long-term wastewater solutions. These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary ones if we are serious about the future of Ceres.

Since his hiring in 2023, the City of Ceres has made real progress and Doug has been a part of that momentum. From economic development bringing in new businesses, to strengthening internal operations, to positioning the city for long-term infrastructure and financial stability, his leadership has helped move this city forward in a meaningful way.

What I appreciated most, though, was his professionalism and his character.

I’ve been very clear, I’m strong, I’m direct, and I hold high expectations. Doug was the same way. He held people accountable. He took his role seriously. And yes, there were times we didn’t always agree. But that’s leadership. That’s what it takes to get things done. We didn’t avoid those moments, we worked through them. Every time.

And through it all, even when facing criticism, Doug remained professional. He understood that not everything happening behind the scenes is always visible to the public, but he stayed focused on the work. That says a lot about the kind of leader he is.

For our community, it’s also important to understand the role of a City Manager.

The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, overseeing staff, implementing policies, managing the budget, and ensuring that the direction set by the City Council is carried out. In a council-manager form of government, the City Manager works for the City Council, not just the Mayor, but all five collectively. As Mayor, I am one of those five, and together we provide direction and oversight to ensure the city is moving in the right direction.

And I want to be clear: the City of Ceres is stable, and we have a plan moving forward.

Transitions like this are never easy, especially when they are tied to personal and family matters. Doug is stepping away to be with his family during a medical emergency and that is something we all understand and respect. This is where the emotional side of leadership comes in. Titles and positions matter, but family always comes first.

Doug, you have my respect, my gratitude, and my prayers.

As a council, we are prepared for this transition. We have strong staff in place, experienced leadership within our organization, and a clear direction for where we are headed. The work does not stop and neither does our commitment to this community.

This Thursday, during our State of the City Address, Doug will be there as City Manager one last time. It’s fitting, because the progress we’ll be talking about the momentum, the vision, the future he has been a part of that story.

But I also want our residents to understand something important:

No matter who holds the position of City Manager, the City of Ceres will continue to move forward.

We are building something bigger than any one individual. We are building a city that is stronger, more prepared, and focused on the future.

And as your Mayor, alongside this City Council, I will continue to lead us into that next chapter with the same focus, the same determination, and the same commitment to getting things done.

Doug, thank you for your service.

Time well spent.