Turlock City Council Welcomes New City Manager Amid Key Decisions

The Turlock City Council held its meeting on Tuesday, marking the end of an era as Sue Borrego stepped down as interim city manager. The council unanimously accepted her resignation and swiftly appointed Gary Hampton to take over the role. Hampton, a well-known figure at Turlock’s City Hall, will assume the position for the fifth time.

Borrego, who previously served as interim president of California State University, Stanislaus, began her tenure as deputy city manager in January 2025. She became the interim city manager in May 2025, following the retirement of longtime city employee Sarah Eddy in December 2024. Although Borrego is departing from the city manager position, she will remain in Turlock for a few months to assist with the transition as deputy city manager.

“I have had a great time in Turlock,” Borrego expressed during the meeting. “So much goes on here and we often hear about the tough stuff. But there are so many good things that go on in the city that the staff who work for the city make happen every single day.”

Hampton’s salary is expected to be $129.38 per hour, subject to a CalPERS restriction limiting him to a maximum of 960 hours per fiscal year.

Key Council Actions: Moratorium and Public Artwork

The council also voted to extend a moratorium on new smoke shops within Turlock for an additional 10 months and 15 days. Originally enacted on January 13, 2025, this moratorium followed a police sting operation that revealed significant noncompliance among smoke shops. The Turlock Police Department, in collaboration with the state’s Department of Tax and Fee Administration, conducted inspections that documented major violations in three of the five shops they attempted to check.

City Attorney George Petrulakis emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that these conditions present “a current and immediate threat to the public health safety and welfare, particularly to young people.” The council’s decision to extend the moratorium aims to prevent further openings while the city updates its zoning and regulatory frameworks.

Additionally, the council approved a Public Artwork application from the Turlock SWAT Association, which is composed of members from the police department’s special weapons and tactics team. The proposal includes a life-size bronze statue to be placed in front of the Public Safety Facility, positioned to salute the United States flag. The statue will symbolize modern American service members from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The anticipated cost of the statue is approximately $50,000, with the Turlock SWAT Association committing to donate $15,000 and lead fundraising efforts. The goal is to have the statue funded by the end of the year, aiming for an unveiling by Veterans Day 2027.

Expanding Montana Park: Funding and Community Engagement

In further developments, the council accepted a grant of $58,845 from the Turlock Irrigation District to support the expansion of Montana Park. This project will significantly enhance recreational facilities, adding basketball courts, pickleball courts, a multi-sport area, playground equipment with ADA access, fitness gear, a swing set, and restrooms. The expansion will more than double the park’s current size.

The overall cost of the Montana Park expansion is estimated at $4.6 million. Funding has been secured from various sources, including a $2.4 million state grant and additional contributions from local officials. Construction is anticipated to begin in May and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A community meeting to discuss the park’s development will take place on February 26, 2025.

As Turlock moves forward with these significant transitions and projects, the council’s decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing community welfare and public safety.