In a brief special meeting Thursday, the Taft City Council voted to place City Manager Ryan Smith on administrative leave ahead of his final day on March 15.
As previously reported, a 4-1 decision was reached at the previous council meeting to terminate Smith in what they called a “unilateral separation” per the conditions of the city manager’s contract. Part of that contract included 30-day written notice following the council’s vote.
Mayor Elida Castillo said the decision to place Smith on leave was made to protect the city’s operations and systems during the notice period.
City of Taft places City Manager on administrative leave ahead of final day in office
“Because of the contract, he does get 30 days’ notice, and just for the city, our protection and to be fair to our citizens, the decision was made to place Mr. Smith on administrative leave until the end of his contract, so March 15th is the date of termination,” Castillo said…