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Valley Center council names co‑interim administrators and votes not to require residency
Summary
The council reported the search committee will name Christy Carithers and Clint Miller co‑interim city administrators and voted that residency will not be a mandatory requirement for the next city administrator; any relocation or residency terms will be set in the hire contract.
The city’s search committee told the council it will appoint Christy Carithers and Clint Miller as co‑interim city administrators while the search proceeds. Committee members said the bulk of interim work had fallen to those two staff members and that compensation was arranged without a formal council vote.
Council then held an extended discussion about whether future city administrators must live within Valley Center city limits. Arguments ranged from preserving responsiveness and immediate access to requiring the best candidate regardless of residence. One councilmember proposed a 30‑minute radius as a compromise; others said residency could be required contractually for relocating candidates or left to the council’s discretion.
Councilmember (speaker 11) moved that the city not impose a residency requirement by ordinance and that any residency or relocation expectations be negotiated in the employment contract for the successful candidate. The motion was seconded and the council voted in favor.
Council noted the decision applies to the current search and does not prohibit the council from negotiating relocation provisions for a particular hire. Staff and HR were asked to ensure applicants understand the contractual expectations and for the council to record any relocation incentives or requirements in offer letters or contract documents.
Separately, several council members publicly thanked outgoing City Administrator Clark for six years of service; Clark said he is transitioning to the private sector but will remain a Valley Center resident and active community member.
