COLUSA, CA (MPG) —The City of Williams appointed John Schempf as interim city administrator to replace Frank Kennedy, who left the position in September.
Schempf started work on Sept. 16 under an employment agreement approved by the city. The agreement states he will serve on an interim, at-will basis until the city hires a permanent administrator or manager.
as Interim City Administrator
for the City of Williams on
Sept. 16. Courtesy photo
The contract pays Schempf $9,200 per pay period, following the same payroll schedule as other city employees. He also receives $1,000 per month toward health insurance and participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
Kennedy earned about $196,000 in total salary and benefits in 2023, according to public records, giving the city a significant cost reduction during the interim period.
Schempf brings more than two decades of municipal management experience across nine cities and towns nationwide. He previously served in Windsor and Bellows Falls/Rockingham, Vermont; Los Osos, California; South Berwick, Maine; Clifton and Mammoth, Arizona; Colfax, California; and Garibaldi, Oregon.
He holds a master’s degree from the National Defense University in Norfolk, Virginia, and a bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, and geography from Dartmouth College. Schempf served 28 years in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard before beginning his municipal management career.
Schempf said he plans to stabilize city operations and prepare for long-term leadership.
“My immediate priority is to recruit excellent candidates and then assist the Council in the selection and hiring process for the next city administrator,” he said.
Schempf also said he intends to identify cost-saving measures that protect essential services and improve efficiency.
The agreement includes reimbursement for necessary work expenses, use of a city-issued mobile phone, and standard city employee benefits. It does not include severance pay.
City officials said Schempf’s appointment provides stability during the city’s transition and ensures continued daily operations while the Council searches for a permanent hire.