Hemet Fires City Manager, Names Police Chief As Acting City Manager

HEMET (CBSLA.com) — The Hemet City Council has fired its city manager, apparently blaming him for "turmoil and strife" in the city over recent years, and named its police chief as acting city manager.

Wally Hill, who joined the city in November 2013, was picked to serve as city manager in a 4-0 vote in September 2014 and began work in November under a 5-year, $233,000 per year contract.

When voting to fire Hill, the council seemed to have specific complaints in mind but voted to terminate him without cause. His contract calls for 45 days' notice if terminated without cause, meaning the coming 45 days will be regarded as leave.

"The city has experienced turmoil and strife over the last two years and council has determined new leadership is necessary to bring the council, city and community together and moving on the same path toward success," said Mayor Linda Krupa, reading from a statement.

Police Chief David Brown was named acting city manager following Tuesday night's 3-1 vote to terminate Hill, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

The city is now seeking its fifth city manager in three years.

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