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San Rafael appoints Paul Navazio interim city manager amid public calls for transparency
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Summary
Council voted 3'0to'0 to appoint Paul Navazio as interim city manager, with the agreement including a retroactive 15% pay differential for Feb. 18'28 and parity with the previous city manager's pay starting March 1. Public speakers urged more transparency about the departure of the prior manager and continuity for fiscal oversight; Navazio said he will retain responsibility for the budget during the interim.
San Rafael's City Council on April 6 appointed Paul Navazio as interim city manager and authorized the mayor to execute an employment agreement that includes a 15% retroactive pay differential for Feb. 18'28 and compensation equal to the prior city manager beginning March 1.
The appointment followed a short oral report from the city attorney explaining the proposed contract terms. The staff memorandum and oral report noted Navazio had served as acting city manager since Feb. 11 and previously served as finance director. "For the period, February 18 through February 28, the city would pay the interim city manager retroactively in amount equal to 15% on top of his most recent salary as finance director," the city attorney said.
Public comment on the item raised concerns about transparency surrounding the departure of the previous city manager and decisions around the city'owned property at 350 Merrydale. Ken Dickinson said the public had received insufficient explanation and called for accountability, asserting the prior manager's exit was linked to a controversial shelter project; Marianne Anastar urged the council to outline plans for selecting a permanent city manager and clarify what lessons would be learned from recent events.
Navazio responded to concerns about fiscal continuity, saying he would retain responsibility for the budget during the interim and that the finance staff team is competent. "I would not be handing off the budget, at this particular time," Navazio said, adding that he would continue to manage budget processes and report to council.
After discussion, Vice Mayor Rachel Kurtz moved to adopt the resolution appointing Navazio as interim city manager; Mayor Kate seconded and the motion passed 3'0to'0.
The agreement allows Navazio to return to his finance director position if he does not become permanent city manager; councilors said they expect to engage a subcommittee process for the permanent appointment and to return with a separate agreement when a permanent manager is chosen.
