New City Manager Appointment
Summary
The council unanimously sent a conditional offer to a city manager candidate in closed session. The appointment and contract are expected at the February 3 meeting — ending the interim period under Lew Bauman.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Feb 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
The new city manager's fiscal approach will shape how the city handles its $10 million structural deficit.
Residents get permanent leadership at City Hall as the city works through budget and storm recovery issues.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Planning Commission Meeting — February 10, 2026
Staff shared that Dante G. Hall will start as Monterey's new city manager in early April.
Council Regular Meeting — February 3, 2026
Monterey has a permanent city manager again. Dante Hall comes from Hercules with 17+ years of municipal experience and starts in April. A resident questioned interview confidentiality and warned about 'smart city' surveillance tech.
Council Regular Meeting — January 20, 2026
The council unanimously sent a conditional offer to a city manager candidate in closed session. The appointment and contract are expected at the February 3 meeting — ending the interim period under Lew Bauman.
Council Special Meeting — January 10, 2026
The city is working through hiring a permanent city manager — interviews happened behind closed doors, but the final appointment decision was pushed to January 20, 2026.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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