The City Council will discuss the way forward in its search for a new city manager in closed session on May 4.
The meeting will be the first one after Riverside City Manager Mike Futrell told Mayor Victor Gordo, Vice Mayor Jess Rivas and the City Council that he has decided to remain in Riverside.
Futrell was scheduled to take the helm of City Hall on May 13.
“Today, April 25, City Manager candidate Mike Futrell informed the Pasadena City Council that he has decided to remain in his current position in the City of Riverside and will withdraw from further discussions with the City of Pasadena,” the group said in a statement released on Saturday. “The Council respects his decision and wishes Mike the very best.”
According to that statement, Interim City Manager Matthew Hawkesworth will continue to serve in his current role as the Council determines its next steps to select a new City Manager.
The City Council could take a second look at applicants in the search or go back to square one.
The City Council has been searching for a replacement for Miguel Marquez since Marquez announced his retirement in November after three years.
The City Manager is just one of three positions, along with the City Clerk and City Attorney, decided by the City Council.
The City Manager leads department heads in 14 departments, including Pasadena Water and Power and the Pasadena Police Department. The City Manager is also responsible for compiling the City’s budget to the City Council for approval.
In a separate statement Futrell cited unfinished work in Riverside as a reason to stay in the position there.
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to remain in Riverside and continue serving as your City Manager. Riverside is not just where I work — it is our home,” Futrell wrote.
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