The City Council of Paso Robles reported Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, that it has reached a mutual settlement agreement with City Manager Ty Lewis and that Assistant City Manager Christopher Huat will assume the role of acting city manager effective immediately.

City Attorney Elizabeth Hall delivered the report out after the council returned from a closed session held under state law for anticipated litigation. Hall told the council that the settlement resolves outstanding issues related to a claim previously filed by Lewis and that “neither party will pursue litigation related to this claim.” Hall said the settlement agreement will be available for public inspection no earlier than Feb. 4, 2025.

The report said Lewis’ last day with the city was Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, and thanked him “for his dedicated service to the Paso Robles community as a police officer, police chief and city manager.” The council also announced that “effective immediately Assistant City Manager Christopher Huat will assume the role of acting city manager.” The city said the leadership transition “will not impact city services, projects or programs,” and added that the city would have no further comment on the matter.

During the open public-comment period before closed session, a resident, Michael Rivera, criticized the frequency and notice of special meetings and said the closed-session notice lacked detail. “I’m getting a little sick and tired as a citizen to have these special meetings without more narrative regarding what it is,” Rivera said, calling the practice “not transparent.” The mayor replied that the council would “report out what we can” after closed session, consistent with state law.

The council convened the closed session under California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), which allows closed discussion when significant exposure to litigation exists. The city attorney’s public report out was limited to the settlement outcome and the staffing change; the council stated it would not provide further comment.

No public vote or council vote on the settlement was recorded in the public meeting. The only formal vote recorded in the transcript was to adjourn the special meeting; Council Member Bausch moved to adjourn, Council Member Strong seconded, and the council voted “Aye.”

The settlement’s availability on Feb. 4, 2025, means members of the public may review the agreement beginning that date in accordance with the city’s statement. The council’s report did not provide additional financial terms, conditions of employment changes, or other specifics of the agreement.