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Sunnyside council votes to remove city manager Michael R. Gonzales, suspends him immediately
Summary
After an internal investigation the Sunnyside City Council voted to terminate City Manager Michael R. Gonzales without cause and to suspend him from duties immediately; the council authorized severance conditioned on a release and ordered city property returned.
The Sunnyside City Council voted Sept. 8 to remove City Manager Michael R. Gonzales from his position without cause and immediately suspended him from his duties, the council announced after a closed‑session briefing and public action.
Mayor Dean Verosa read a staff recommendation and the council resolution, saying the investigation "confirmed that mister Gonzales' claims against council member for harassment and interference... were not sustained" while also identifying "deficiencies in mister Gonzales' management, including improper hiring and failure to properly discipline." The council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑67, giving notice of intent to terminate the employment agreement and authorizing a severance payment conditioned on Gonzales' signing a release.
The move follows a city attorney briefing to council and public comment at the Sept. 8 meeting in which residents offered contrasting views about the investigation and Gonzales' performance. David Cortinas, a longtime local…
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