The Santa Ana City Council has appointed Thomas Hatch to serve as interim city manager until a new top executive can be hired for City Hall.
Hatch was to start right away after the City Council approved his appointment at Tuesday’s council meeting.
“That’s a big level of trust that you just handed to me. That’s a big decision,” Hatch told councilmembers at Tuesday’s meeting. “I feel that responsibility, and I’m going to work hard every single day to make you proud of that vote.”
Former City Manager Kristine Ridge stepped down on Oct. 9 after four years of leading Santa Ana City Hall; she said at the time she was retiring from full-time city management. In her absence, Assistant City Manager Steven Mendoza has been filling in as the acting city manager.
Hatch has 36 years of experience working in local government with several cities including Costa Mesa and Orange, as well as the County of Orange. Most recently, Hatch served as the interim city manager for the city of Santa Fe Springs earlier this year.
“Hatch’s extensive experience in local government and managing several Southern California cities will be invaluable to the city and people of Santa Ana,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said in a statement. “The City Council is delighted that he accepted our offer to serve in this role while we conduct a search for the best-qualified candidate to fill the position permanently.”
The City Council also approved an agreement with business consulting company Jacob Green & Associates for the recruitment of a permanent city manager.
The city is also conducting a nationwide search to fill the chief of police position following the September retirement of former Chief David Valentin.
Hatch will be paid an hourly rate of $156.82. As a retiree under the state’s public retirement system, he can work no more than 960 hours per year and will not receive any other city benefits or compensation, such as paid vacation, sick leave or holidays.
“I’m going to keep doing everything I can to unite you as a team regarding those issues as we move forward. For the staff that are here tonight and for the community that is listening as well and here, I just want to say a simple hello,” Hatch said. “I’m looking forward to meeting you, getting to know you and working with you and for you as we move forward.”
