The City of Citrus Heights has announced the retirement of City Manager Christopher Boyd, effective Tuesday, May 11.
“For quite a while now, I have been contemplating my next chapter,” Boyd said in a news release. “After 31 years of public service, I have decided it is time for me to focus on my family, so that my wife and I can enjoy the few short years we have left with our teenage sons before they are grown.”
Boyd has been with the city for 16 years. He served as Chief of Police from 2005 to 2016 when he was chosen to succeed outgoing city manager Henry Tingle.
“Convincing Chris to move from Chief of Police to City Manager was one of the best things our Council has done for the City,” said Mayor Steve Miller. “He came into the position with a looming budget short-fall, and has met so many of our City’s goals despite that challenge. Thanks to his leadership we have weathered a pandemic while keeping all our City service lines open, launched economic development plans to secure a bright future for our City, and undertaken massive efforts to balance our budget and remain committed to fiscal prudence. ‘Thank you’ just does not seem like enough.”
Boyd’s tenure also saw criticism. He clashed with some members of the community and the City Council. One of the issues was his support for Measure M, a 1% sales tax increase which was defeated by voters in November. Critics said the city had been spending too much – especially on high-level salaries – and needed to tighten spending, not raise taxes. Today, Citrus Heights is grappling with a $4 million shortfall.
The Citrus Heights City Council is expected to name an interim city manager at its meeting on May 13. The search for a permanent successor will begin immediately, the city said.