Citrus Heights council splits 3-2 over replacement for Asst. City Manager

Sentinel staff report–
The retirement of Assistant City Manager Ronda Rivera this month, which came as a surprise to several council members after her 16 years of service with the City of Citrus Heights, led to a divided vote Thursday night regarding her interim replacement.

The council voted 3-2 to authorize City Manager Chris Boyd to hire William Zenoni as an interim appointee to fill the position left vacant by Rivera’s retirement. Zenoni was hired as a retired annuitant with over 35 years of experience in finance, and previously worked with the city for several years on a contract basis, assisting in financial matters.

Boyd said hiring a retired annuitant saves the city “approximately $100,000” per year, since CalPERS does not allow benefits to be paid beyond the annuitant’s hourly pay rate. Zenoni’s pay was set at $90.83/hr, which was the maximum allowed within the pay range for the position listed between $68.68/hr and $90.83/hr.

Council members Bret Daniels and Tim Schaefer objected to the hiring process, with Schaefer questioning how many other retired annuitants were interviewed for the position, to which Boyd said “none.” Schaefer also said his trust in the City Manager and Zenoni have been “shaken,” noting what he called “misleading” recent budget presentations.

Vice Mayor Porsche Middleton said Zenoni was an “obvious pick” given his expertise and work with the city, along with the cost savings. Middleton also said she “[didn’t] really appreciate” Schaefer claiming that a budget presentation last month was “reprisatory” against those who voted against the city’s Measure M sales tax proposal.

Mayor Steve Miller referenced the failure of Measure M as well, saying he believed the council is following “what the voters have asked us to do,” referencing the cost savings by hiring Zenoni.

“They gave us a mandate to tighten our belt and cut costs,” said Miller. “Many are calling for a 10% cut in executive salaries (and) this is close to a 40% cut. I think this is a good start and it’ll get us through the worst time.”

In brief remarks, Councilman Daniels also questioned the reason for Rivera’s retirement, calling it “abrupt” and saying “I don’t know why she left.” Mayor Steve Miller didn’t share the same perspective, saying: “I’m sure [her retirement] was a personal decision; it’s none of my business, it’s none of your business.”

The City Manager’s office later responded to an inquiry from The Sentinel on Friday, clarifying the reason for Rivera’s retirement:

“Ms. Rivera, Assistant City Manager, recently retired for family/personal reasons and gave me several weeks’ notice which was appreciated given her personal circumstances. She is moving to another state right away to deal with her family’s needs. In the near future, there will be a staff celebration to thank her for her many years of distinguished service and contributions.”

Rivera started her career with the city in 2005, beginning as a Senior Management Analyst and Human Resources Manager. She was later promoted in 2009 to Human Resources/City Information Director and was promoted to Assistant City Manager in 2017, where she oversaw the Administrative Services Department, which includes Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management, and Information Technology.

According to a contract included in the council’s Feb. 11 agenda packet, Zenoni’s duties are listed as:

• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the City budget
• Estimate anticipated annual revenues and ensure proper collection
• Analyze and upgrade the city’s ten-year budget model on a regular basis
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Administrative Services Department’s work plan.
• Provide service at the direction and under the supervision of the City Manager.
• Keep the City Manager fully apprised of all significant ongoing operations of city’s Administrative Services Department.

Zenoni will take his position beginning in March and will serve as the interim Administrative Services Director until June 30, 2022, or until a permanent replacement is hired.

A recording of the City Council’s 33-minute meeting from Feb. 11 can be viewed on Youtube.

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