Encinitas selects city manager, but contract negotiations ongoing

The Encinitas City Council on May 27 unanimously selected a city manager in closed session, pending contract negotiations with the candidate.

In an interview immediately following the closed session, Mayor Kristin Gaspar did not reveal the candidate’s name, nor when contract negotiations might wrap up. She said that information can’t be disclosed until the deal is done.

As of June 3, the contract hadn’t been finalized.

Encinitas is looking to secure a new city manager by July 1, when interim City Manager Larry Watt’s contract expires. Watt took the helm in January, after former City Manager Gus Vina stepped down to take a city manager job in Northern California.

More than three weeks ago, the council in closed session narrowed the search to three candidates. Sixty-one people applied for the job.

The city manager oversees day-to-day operations and city staff.