Paso Robles City Council settles litigation with former city manager Ty Lewis

In a pivotal special meeting on January 27, 2025, the Paso Robles City Council announced a significant leadership change, revealing that City Manager Ty Lewis has reached a mutual settlement agreement with the city. This decision comes after Lewis's last day in office on January 26, 2025, and resolves all outstanding issues related to a claim he previously filed against the city.

During the meeting, City Attorney Elizabeth Hall confirmed that the council had entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, citing "significant exposure" to one case. Following public comments, which included concerns about transparency from citizens, the council reconvened to disclose the settlement. Hall stated that under the terms of the agreement, neither party would pursue litigation related to the claim.

Assistant City Manager Christopher Huat will step in as acting city manager, ensuring that city services and projects remain unaffected during this transition. The settlement agreement will be available for public inspection starting February 4, 2025, in accordance with state law.

This leadership shift marks a notable moment for the city, as officials express gratitude for Lewis's service as a police officer, police chief, and city manager. The council's decision underscores a commitment to maintaining stability in city governance amidst ongoing challenges.