San Bernardino has selected an out-of-state administrator to serve as its next city manager. San Bernardino announced the impending appointment of Charles A. Montoya on October 13. The city council is expected to approve his contract this Wednesday, effective October 30.
Montoya has worked in the public sector for three decades and most recently served as city manager for Avondale, Arizona. He was fired from that position in 2021, according to the Arizona Republic, and later sued the city and its mayor for breach of contract and defamation.
According to the San Bernardino Sun, Montoya was previously accused of covering up corruption in Florence, Arizona.
Despite his baggage, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran expressed full confidence in Montoya, calling him “exactly the type of leader we need.”
San Bernardino had previously extended a job offer to then Salinas city manager, Steve Carrigan last month. At the last minute, Carrigan dropped out, expressing a desire to stay with Salinas. Days later, Salinas fired him.
San Bernardino‘s last permanent city manager, Robb Field, stepped down in January. Former administrator Charles McNeely has been serving in the interim. But as a retiree, his work hours are limited by CalPERS rules.
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