City’s Executive Directors to Rotate as Acting City Manager

Steve Ward, Colton City Police Chief, will step down as the city’s acting city manager after the City Council reached a consensus during a special July 22 meeting. Ward, who stepped into the role of acting city manager for six weeks after City Manager Stephen Compton was placed on paid administrative leave in early June, leaves the position after the Colton City Council on July 15 approved the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget that includes a 10 percent budget reduction across all departments and instituted a hiring freeze. According to a release issued by the city, Ward is “focusing his efforts on running one of the finest police departments within the county.” The release also stated that the City Council “is pleased with his efforts and accomplishments” during Ward’s time as acting city manager. The council on July 22 voted that the vacant position will now be equally shared by six Colton executive directors on a rotation basis as follows: July 23 through Aug. 6: Amer Jakher, public works director Aug. 6 through Aug. 20: Dr. David Kolk, electric utility director Aug. 20 through Sept. 3: Mark Tomich, development services director Sept. 3 through Sept. 17: Tim McHargue, fire chief Sept. 17 through Oct. 1: Bill Smith, community services director Oct. 1 through Oct. 15: Steve Ward, police chief “We are heartened by the willingness of our Executive Directors to take on additional duties during these challenging times and are impressed by their dedication and loyalty to the organization,” the release stated. It also stated that council and staff feel this approach will be beneficial to city employees, residents and businesses. The city manager can be reached at office number 909-370-5051, with Dawn Miller as the executive assistant.