Merced City Manager Steve Carrigan was terminated Monday night, assistant will serve as Interim City Manager.
Following a closed session discussion on Monday, July 20, 2020, and pursuant to the Brown Act, Mayor Murphy reported that the City Council had terminated the employment of the City Manager by a 6-1 vote, according to a news release.
No information on why Merced City Manager Steve Carrigan was terminated is provided at this time.
Assistant City Manager Stephanie Dietz will serve as Acting City Manager, until August 3, 2020 when the City Council will appoint her as Interim City Manager. Dietz started her career with the City of Merced on January 3, 2017. Prior to working for the City of Merced, Dietz spent ten-years with Merced County and close to three years with the University of California, Merced.
Mayor Mike Murphy shared, “The City Council and I have the utmost confidence in Ms. Dietz’s ability to serve in the position of Acting City Manager. She brings a lot of experience and a strong understanding of our community to this important position.”
Under Dietz’s leadership as Acting City Manager, department heads will remain in place and will focus on furthering the City Council’s goals and priorities, strengthening community relationships, and providing the high-level of quality services expected by the public.
As Assistant City Manager, Dietz has served as the City’s point person on issues such as groundwater recharging and legislative affairs. Raised in Winton and now residing in Merced with her family, Dietz noted about the appointment that she is, “Humbled by the City Council’s trust, and honored to serve the residents of this great and growing city.” Dietz holds a bachelor’s degree from Fresno State and a master’s degree from National University.
The transition of Assistant City Manager Stephanie Dietz to Acting City Manager is effective immediately. It is anticipated that the search for a new City Manager will take place later this fall.
