Leaders in Lemon Grove extended the city’s contract with interim City Manager Tony Winney as the city’s nationwide search for a permanent top administrator continues.
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The Lemon Grove City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to extend Winney’s contract for a six-month term, beginning July 26.
Half a year has passed since leaders selected him to fill the vacant position created after former City Manager Lydia Romero’s contract was not renewed. She was the city’s top administrator for over 10 years.
“During this transition period, my focus is going to be steadying the ship,” Winney said at the time.
The city contracted with Bob Murray and Associates to provide recruiting services in the search for a permanent chief administrator.
When he was first brought on by the council, the recruitment process was expected to take approximately half a year. City leaders have met numerous times in closed session in recent months to discuss filling the position; however, there is no indication that a selection is near.
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Winney’s contract will end when a permanent city manager is hired, or if either party chooses to terminate the agreement, according to a staff report. He will be paid based on an annual salary of $215,000, per the employment agreement.
Mat Kostrinsky, a consultant for local labor union AFSCME Local 127, said the group supports the extension, but was concerned that “this crucial hire is being treated as a rushed top-down decision.”
“Given the culture and challenges presented by the previous administration here, wouldn’t it make sense to actively seek and incorporate staff and public input?” he asked the city council.
At the same time, city leaders recently proposed a staffing overhaul they hope will bring more structure to the city’s overall operations. That includes plans to hire a full-time code enforcement officer and fill a senior management analyst position.
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