Fresno’s city clerk, Todd Stermer, has announced his departure from the role he has held for the past four years to accept a position as the clerk of Sacramento County. His last day in Fresno will be November 30, 2023. In an interview, Stermer expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunity, stating, “Fresno’s really all I’ve ever known, so I’m excited to experience something different.”
During his tenure in Fresno, Stermer was hired by the city council in 2021 and recently received a salary increase to $153,716. In contrast, his proposed starting salary in Sacramento County is $206,106, pending a vote by the Board of Supervisors on November 4, 2023. He explained, “I was made an offer that unfortunately means I won’t be able to stay here in Fresno.”
In preparation for his departure, Stermer has recommended his top deputy, Bernard Canez, to take over his position. He emphasized the need for the city council to consider adjusting compensation to align with salaries offered by similar-sized cities. “I’m a huge fan of hiring at the bottom and moving everybody up, and I’ve got nothing but capable people in the office right now,” he remarked.
The city clerk plays a crucial role in local governance, reporting directly to the city council. Responsibilities include preparing city documents, maintaining official records, and ensuring those records are accessible to the public. At this time, it remains unclear how the city council plans to address the vacancy left by Stermer.
Political Landscape in Fresno
In other political developments, the race for Fresno City Council District 3 has intensified, particularly with Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula facing criticism from campaign consultant Jason Carns, who supports candidate Keshia Thomas. Carns stated, “Keshia has a good shot against Joaquin. She’s much more integrated into the neighborhoods,” implying that Arambula has not engaged as extensively with constituents.
Arambula’s campaign did not respond to these remarks, but the implications may influence voter perception as the primary election approaches on June 2, 2026. Other candidates vying for the District 3 seat include Fernando Alvarez and Anji Brown, as current council member Miguel Arias is term-limited.
Community Updates from Fresno
In recent council meetings, several community issues were discussed. The city council approved a $400,000 reimbursement contract with Caltrans for the cleanup of homeless encampments along Highway 41. The contract received unanimous support, though several homeless advocates voiced opposition during discussions.
Additionally, the council voted 6-1 to allow the code enforcement department to conduct inspections of tobacco retailers without the presence of a state inspector, a move that has raised concerns among some council members about the adequacy of enforcement. Nick Richardson, a council member, expressed reservations about whether this decision would sufficiently address the issues at hand.
Mayor Jerry Dyer also announced that planning has begun for celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. He shared ambitions for widespread display of American flags throughout Fresno, aiming to honor both veterans and immigrants during this significant milestone.
As Fresno navigates these changes, the impact of Stermer’s departure and the evolving political landscape will be closely watched by residents and officials alike.
