Toy out as Sonoma’s City Manager

According to Mayor Jack Ding, Garrett Toy and the City of Sonoma have mutually agreed to terminate Toy’s employment by the city, effective immediately. Toy’s last day of work was Monday, February 14th; he became City Manager in June of last year. Assistant City Manager Sue Casey will step up to Acting City Manager, and the the City Council will meet in closed session today to discuss next steps. No details were provided to explain Toy’s sudden departure, although the City Council has met repeatedly in closed session in an evaluation of Mr. Toy’s job performance.

Toy’s departure comes on the heels of a tumultuous period of administrative and political changes. The resignation of three council members, the appointment of two and the recent election of Sandra Lowe accompanied the resignation of Cathy Capriola as City Manager.  The number of vacancies in management positions in the city has also increased, with interim employees filling key roles.

The city’s website notes: “Mr. Toy’s employment agreement includes compensation of $215,900, deferred compensation of $7,501 per year, and placement in the Cal-PERS pension program as is eligible to all Sonoma employees.  As would be expected for any city manager, the employment agreement describes an “at will” relationship with the City Council.”

Under the terms of the recruitment contract used when Toy was hired, the recruiting firm is obligated to perform a new search for a city manager free of charge, since Toy’s employment with the city lasted under one year.

Mayor Ding expressed confidence that the business of Sonoma will continue, and that the needs of citizens and local businesses will go on in a professional manner during this period of transition.