Paso Robles reports settlement with city manager; assistant city manager named acting city manager

City Attorney Elizabeth Hall told the City Council of the City of Paso Robles on Jan. 27 that the city "has reached a mutual settlement agreement with the city manager, Ty Lewis," and that Mr. Lewis' last day with the city was Jan. 26, 2025.

The announcement, made as the council returned from a closed session held under Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) for anticipated litigation, said the agreement resolves "all outstanding issues related to a claim Mr. Lewis previously filed against the city." Hall said, "Under the terms of the settlement, neither party will pursue litigation related to this claim." She said the settlement agreement will be available for public inspection no earlier than Feb. 4, 2025, and that the city "will have no further comment on this matter."

The council also learned that Assistant City Manager Christopher Huot will assume the role of acting city manager effective immediately. Hall told the council the leadership transition "will not impact city services, projects, or programs." No council vote on the settlement was recorded in the public meeting; Hall reported the settlement as the outcome reached during closed session.

The meeting opened with a public comment from Michael Rivera, who said he was "getting a little sick and tired as a citizen to have these special meetings without more narrative regarding what it is" and urged greater transparency about the closed-session topic. The council had convened the closed session earlier in the meeting after the city attorney said the discussion was permitted under Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2).

The special meeting concluded with a routine motion to adjourn. Council member Bausch moved to adjourn, Council member Strong seconded, and the council voted to adjourn.

The settlement document will be posted for public inspection in accordance with state law no earlier than Feb. 4, 2025, per the city attorney's report.