Guadalupe appoints new city administrator after Andrew Carter’s departure

The Guadalupe City Council appointed a new city administrator on Tuesday, filling the position vacated by former San Luis Obispo City Councilman Andrew Carter, who resigned in July.

Carter announced in May that he would be stepping down because he planned to move to Hanford to be closer to his girlfriend.

“This is really more of a personal life decision I’m making than a career decision,” Carter said at the time.

Carter was credited with keeping the city out of bankruptcy in 2013 when he identified and resolved some improper budgeting practices.

The new administrator, Cruz Ramos, previously served the City of San Joaquin (population 4,000) in Fresno County as city manager for nearly 12 years.

She also has experience in sales and marketing, and as a community relations representative for private companies.

Ramos’ first day on the job will be Oct. 3. The employment agreement is for an initial three-year term and will establish an initial annual salary at $115,000.

“We are pleased to be able to attract a professional city administrator with extensive experience in a small agricultural community such as Guadalupe,” Mayor John Lizalde said.

“She has demonstrated an outstanding ability to manage city finances, obtain grants, and encourage private investment to expand the local tax base. We look forward to working with Cruz to ensure Guadalupe’s bright future.”

Ed Tewes will continue to serve as interim city administrator through September.

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Guadalupe appoints new city administrator after Andrew Carter’s departure."