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.