The Modesto City Council on Tuesday hired its own "watchdog."

The council appointed Frank DeMattos as its first independent city auditor. DeMattos, a Beyer High School graduate, lives in Modesto and works for Stockton as its senior deputy city auditor.

Measure M, a government reform package voters passed in February, required the council to hire an auditor. In the past, the auditor has worked in the city clerk's office.

DeMattos will leave his Stockton post and start work for Modesto later this month. He will earn $96,200 a year. He said the city needs an auditor because it is becoming increasingly complex as it grows.

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