Bell : Manager Intends to Quit

Chief Administrative Officer Byron Woosley has circulated a memo to the Bell city staff announcing his intention to leave the $65,000-a-year post he has held since 1984. Woosley said in the memo and in an interview that his decision was purely a personal one based on a desire for a change after service to the community that began in December, 1972, when he was hired as a city civil engineer. “I’ve been here long enough, I’m comfortable with what I’ve done, and it’s time for me to try something different,” he said.

Woosley will remain in his post until a replacement is hired. He said he informed the City Council several weeks ago of his intention to leave, but has not yet submitted a letter of resignation. Council members are choosing a consulting firm to help them recruit candidates for the post.

Woosley’s decision comes at a time when the city is implementing a reorganization plan approved at Monday’s City Council meeting. According to the plan, the chief administrative officer will become head of the Community Redevelopment Agency and some of the duties would be transferred to a new Administrative Services Department.

After the indictment of former City Administrator John Pitts on fraud and racketeering charges connected to the California Bell Club in December, 1984, Woosley was promoted from his post as community services director to city administrator.