WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) — The Williams City Council voted Nov. 20 to dismiss Interim City Administrator John Schempf during a special meeting held just before its regular session, then later moved to change the title of the position to “city manager” as it continues its search for permanent leadership.
During the regular meeting, the council appointed Williams Police Chief Chris Miller to serve as acting city administrator until the job is filled.
The council did not publicly discuss the reasons for ending Schempf’s employment.
Schempf began work Sept. 16 after the council hired him to replace former City Administrator Frank Kennedy, who left the city in September. His interim agreement set his salary at $9,200 per pay period.
Under the contract, Schempf served at will and could be removed at any time by the council. The agreement states there is no severance pay because the job is an interim, temporary position, and that upon termination he is owed only wages for hours worked through the date of separation.
On the same night, the council held a public hearing and introduced an ordinance that would change the title of the city’s top administrative post from “city administrator” to “city manager” throughout the Williams Municipal Code.
Council members said the change would align Williams with neighboring communities and help attract applicants during the current recruitment.
Mayor Pro Tem Kate Dunlap said the update would bring Williams “into the 21st century” and match the language used by nearby cities. Other council members noted that nearly all of California’s more than 400 cities use the title city manager, and that job seekers look for that term when scanning postings.
The council voted to move the measure forward after hearing no public comments.
With Miller now in the acting role and the title change under way, the city will continue its search for a permanent city manager.