El Centro names Robert Sawyer city manager; council approves employment terms

The El Centro City Council appointed Robert Sawyer as city manager on Oct. 21, approving a resolution that establishes compensation and employment terms for a three‑year contract through Oct. 20, 2028.

Staff presented a resolution recommending the appointment; Dulce, a city staff member, presented background on Sawyer’s career. The staff report said Sawyer has more than 25 years of local government experience, including a long tenure at the El Centro Police Department where he rose to police chief in 2022. The council voted to adopt the resolution and employment terms by a 4‑0 vote.

City staff stated the salary for the position was set in the staff report; the packet describes compensation and benefits including a vehicle and management benefits consistent with other management employees. (A staff presentation to council provided a salary starting point; the meeting packet contains the full contract language and final compensation schedule.)

Sawyer, who had served as acting city manager since May, addressed the council after the vote. “I’m very honored and humbled to be selected for the position,” he said. He described the move from law enforcement to city management as “bittersweet” but said strong department leadership and support from his family made the transition possible and that he looks forward to pursuing service and growth across the city and county.

Council members congratulated Sawyer and thanked staff and the outgoing police command for facilitating a smooth transition. The motion passed 4‑0.

The resolution and employment terms are in the meeting packet; the council directed staff to finalize contract paperwork and proceed with onboarding activities.