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Christopher Tavares approved as Hanford city manager under five-year contract
Summary
After a national recruitment process, the Hanford City Council approved a five-year employment agreement for interim city manager Christopher Tavares, setting salary at $20,307 per month and including standard benefits, a $500 monthly vehicle allowance and a $100 monthly phone reimbursement; council approved the contract 5-0.
The Hanford City Council on Jan. 20 approved a five-year employment agreement to appoint Christopher Tavares as city manager.
City attorney explained the recruitment: Bob Murray & Associates ran a national search, more than 30 applications were received, and the council extended an offer to the finalist, interim city manager Christopher Tavares, who has served as interim since August 2025 and previously as deputy city manager and finance director. The agreement approved by council includes a five-year term, an evaluation at six months and again at one year, and annual evaluations thereafter.
The contract sets Tavares'9 monthly salary at $20,307 (annualized to $243,684). It also includes a $500 monthly vehicle allowance, $100 monthly mobile device reimbursement, and benefits consistent with the Executive Management Association. The agreement is at-will; counsel recommended clarifying language about notice prior to contract expiration to ensure the expiration would not be treated as a no-cause termination subject to severance unless proper notice is provided. Council accepted that amendment and approved the agreement by a 5-0 vote.
Tavares thanked the council, said he accepted the position "with the utmost honor and humility," and indicated a swearing-in and public ceremony would be scheduled in early February.
What happens next: the executed employment agreement takes effect per its terms and staff will coordinate the public swearing-in.
