The El Centro City Council appointed Robert Sawyer as city manager effective Oct. 21, the council said in its Oct. 21 meeting recap.

According to the recap, Sawyer began his career with the El Centro Police Department in 1998 and became police chief in February 2022. He had served as acting city manager since May 2025 before the council appointed him to the permanent position effective Oct. 21.

The recap did not include a recorded vote tally, the motion text, or whether the appointment terms include an employment contract or term length. The recap did not report any public objection or alternative nominees. The council did not specify implementation steps or transition details beyond the effective date.