Laguna Hills council appoints Bob Wingenroth as city manager, approves contract

The Laguna Hills City Council on Tuesday announced the appointment of Bob Wingenroth as the city’s new city manager and adopted an employment agreement that lays out salary and benefits for the post.

The council made the appointment in closed session and then, in open session, approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the employment agreement. City staff said the contract provides a $290,000 annual base salary and an ICMA 457 deferred compensation contribution of $10,000 per year. Staff estimated total annual compensation at about $382,217 when employer‑paid benefits are included (health insurance estimated at $43,603; retirement employer cost about $34,264; plus Medicare tax and the deferred comp contribution).

The city attorney summarized required public disclosures for executive compensation and said the new manager will be enrolled in the city’s PERS Tier 2 plan (2% at 62). The contract provides 20 days of vacation per year and a one‑time 10‑day starting vacation credit effective Dec. 1, 2025. The city attorney also said the manager will pay the employee contribution to retirement (current employee contribution disclosed in the packet as about 8.25% of salary).

"I am thrilled and honored to have this opportunity to serve you, serve the residents of your beloved Laguna Hills," Wingenroth told the council after the appointment. He said he has already met staff, called the team professional and expressed a commitment to listening to residents and turning council policy into action.

Council members welcomed Wingenroth, praising his municipal experience and asking him to begin community outreach. The resolution approving the employment agreement passed on roll call; the council then invited applause and remarks welcoming the new manager.

Next steps: the mayor was authorized to sign the employment agreement and staff will coordinate the manager’s transition and start date under the terms described in the packet.