Arroyo Grande city manager suddenly resigns
Arroyo Grande once again is out a city manager.
Arroyo Grande city manager Jim Bergman has resigned, effective immediately, according to a news release Friday afternoon.
“The city has a strong, dedicated executive team who will continue to provide great service to Arroyo Grande and will work with staff and community members through this transition,” read the news release. ”The city is grateful for Mr. Bergman’s commitment and contributions to our community and we wish him and his family the very best.”
The circumstances surrounding his departure are unclear.
The city informally announced Bergman’s departure via an agenda for a special meeting to appoint an acting city manager, posted online Thursday afternoon. The meeting was scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m., and the agenda included no additional information beside closed session item to appoint a temporary city manager replacement.
Tribune requests for comment from Mayor Caren Ray Russom on Bergman’s apparent departure were not returned prior to the meeting.
Executive assistant and deputy city clerk Jessica Matson told The Tribune on Friday evening Bergman’s resignation was voluntary and for personal reasons.
When reached for information on his departure Thursday, Bergman declined to comment.
This is the third abrupt city manager departure in the city in the past six years.
Bergman came to the city in March 2017 from a position as planning and building director for San Luis Obispo County. Bergman replaced former city manager Dianne Thompson, who was fired for unknown reasons in June 2016.
Prior to Thompson, long-time city manager Steve Adams left the city on bad terms in 2014, following a controversy in which Adams and a subordinate were discovered alone late at night in City Hall.
An independent investigation into the incident concluded there was no misconduct.
On Friday, the City Council voted to appoint Public Works director Bill Robeson as acting city manager and community development director Whitney McDonald as deputy acting city manager, effective immediately.
Editor’s note: this story has been edited to correct information about Adams’ departure.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 6:46 PM.
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