Agenda Item #13.12
For Council Meeting of: June 2, 2026
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DOMINIQUE BLANQUIE, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER, APPROVAL OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND ADOPTION OF SALARY AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Human Resources Department recommends that the Council, by resolution, appoint Jason Nutt to the office of Interim City Manager and approve an Employment Agreement for the Interim City Manager position. It is further recommended that the Council introduce an ordinance entitled: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Rosa Establishing a Monthly Salary of $28,452.33 ($341,428.00 annually) and Other Compensation and Benefits for the Interim City Manager.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Manager Maraskeshia Smith announced her resignation in September 2025, effective December 2025. In January 2026, the City Council appointed Lori Ann Farrell as Interim City Manager while initiating recruitment for a permanent City Manager. Ms. Farrell has since announced her resignation from the interim role, effective June 26, 2026.
In light of these developments, the City has temporarily paused its recruitment efforts and intends to appoint Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt as Interim City Manager.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
In September, City Manager Maraskeshia Smith announced she would be resigning her position effective in December 2025 to become the City Manager for the City of Sacramento.
In January 2026, the City Council appointed Lori Ann Farrell as Interim City Manager, and she will have served in that capacity for six months. Ms. Farrell has decided to accept another opportunity closer to home in southern California.
To support a smooth transition and ensure continuity of City operations, the City Council seeks to appoint a new Interim City Manager as soon as possible.
ANALYSIS
Consistent with the Brown Act, the City Council discussed the Interim City Manager appointment in closed session as a personnel matter.
Jason Nutt has agreed to the terms and conditions set forth in the Employment Agreement – Interim City Manager attached to the Resolution. The term of the agreement will commence on June 27, 2026, and continue until terminated as provided in the contract.
The City Charter requires that the compensation of the Interim City Manager be established by ordinance. A proposed ordinance is included for introduction by the Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Interim City Manager’s salary and benefits are identified in the City Manager’s Office budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, the recommended action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have the potential to result in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the action is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that approval of the appointment and employment agreement may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution/Exhibit A (Employment Agreement)
Ordinance
PRESENTER(S)
Dominique Blanquie, Human Resources Director
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER, APPROVAL OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND ADOPTION OF SALARY PAGE 3 OF 3