City Manager Resigns Effective November 14, 2025

Although a previous resignation from City Manager McNees on July 14th was not accepted by council in a vote of 4-3, a slightly altered version presented to council during Monday night’s meeting was unanimously accepted in a vote of 7-0.  The effective date is November 14th, 2025.  Minor alterations to the resignation letter, besides the effective date, centered around continued health benefits for the City Manager’s wife until March 2026, available vacation pay, and sixteen weeks salary. McNees’ first resignation was amid the audit controversy, where the City Manager said he felt he had been ‘set up’ during a council meeting, having not seen the audit prior to its being published online.  At the time, council voted not to accept McNees’s resignation, but then saw Finance Director Gil Polanco resign the very next day.  

A motion was immediately made by Councilman Champagne, seconded by Bonita Schwan, to promote Assistant City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius to City Manager. After discussion, Dr. Lucius made it clear she would not accept an immediate promotion to City Manager, saying, “It would not be appropriate.” She welcomed being able to compete with other applicants during the City Manager search process. The motion was withdrawn and replaced with a motion to make Dr. Lucius Interim City Manager, which passed. 

During the public comment period, McNees took the opportunity to address council (and residents), saying there is a need to “purge the negativity.” He urged council to read reports produced by staff, noting they’re very detailed and activity based. He commented that the City is understaffed. He explained the council has one employee they’re responsible for-the City Manager.  When Chair Brechnitz tried to respond, McNees said the Chair reminds councilors regularly that they’re not allowed to respond. Brechnitz clarified the City Attorney is also contracted and directly responsible to council.