On Wednesday, April 10, the City of Portola Council made a formal offer to current City Finance Officer Susan Scarlett to serve as interim city manager. After the recent resignation of former Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy, the council decided to search for a new permanent manager. Until the role is filled, an interim city manager must be chosen to assist in city business.
Scarlett, a contract employee, accepted the offer of employment, agreeing to serve and perform in the capacity of interim city manager as directed by the Portola City Council. Her employment began April 1 for a stated period of six months, ending Sept. 30, unless the city has still not found a permanent city manager by that point. She will be paid $10,000 a month.
Scarlett will serve on an interim basis up through the hiring of a permanent city manager. Her contract terminates without severance pay or benefits at that time, according to the terms outlined by the city council. The employment agreement was described as very basic. With little discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Murphy moved to approve the decision to hire Scarlett. His motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
In other business, during the 2023-24 City of Portola budget public hearing, one resident made a comment that she would like to see the city put on a wrestling day instead of music in the park as an option for entertainment for the community. She suggested that the council look into hiring professional wrestlers or “luchadores” for the purpose. No other public comments or suggestions were made for the budget.
This was the second of several opportunities for the public to comment on the budget. The next budget workshop will be held at 3 p.m. May 8 at City Hall.
Portola City Council meetings are regularly scheduled for the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the City of Portola City Hall. For more information, visit www.cityofportola.com.
