(Photo by City of Watsonville)
WATSONVILLE — The Watsonville City Council is scheduled to consider appointing Matt Huffaker as the new city manager Tuesday, following the resignation of City Manager Charles Montoya.
The item is on the council’s consent agenda. The council is also expected to accept Montoya’s resignation, which would be effective Aug. 1.
Huffaker was hired as Watsonville’s assistant city manager in 2016 after having spent 10 years with the City of Walnut Creek, serving in a variety of roles, including deputy city manager.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, and graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from California State University East Bay.
Montoya, who accepted the city manager position in Avondale, Ariz., announced his resignation in May after serving as Watsonville’s city manager since late 2015.
Mayor Lowell Hurst said a subcommittee, which consists of himself and Councilmembers Trina Coffman-Gomez and Jimmy Dutra, met twice to negotiate a contract for Huffaker. The council will review the contract in closed session Tuesday, and take action during the public session.
Councilwoman Rebecca Garcia said it is not a done deal that Huffaker will be appointed, as the contract must be voted on by the council.
“I asked for a full recruitment to assure staff and community that we had selected the best city manager,” she said. “I was outvoted.”
Dutra said he appreciates Huffaker’s vision for Watsonville.
“As someone who is committed to this community like I am, I want to make sure that someone who is in this top position has that same commitment,” Dutra said. “Matt Huffaker embodies the leadership that we need to move our community forward.”
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The Watsonville City Council will meet Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 275 Main St., fourth floor. To view the agenda, visit tinyurl.com/ycdwj6gh.
This article will be updated.
