Orange’s New City Manager Is Selected
David F. Dixon, the city manager of Temecula, has been selected as the new city manager for Orange. Dixon, 55, will succeed interim City Manager William F. Cornett on Feb. 28.
The City Council unanimously approved Dixon’s four-year contract last week. His annual salary will be $115,008.
Council members said they chose Dixon because of his extensive municipal experience, particularly his financial background. Like most cities in the county, Orange has been hit hard by the recession and forced to cope with dwindling revenue.
“He’s one of the foremost city managers in California with outstanding skills in economic development and redevelopment,” said Councilman Mike Spurgeon. “And obviously that’s one of our top priorities.”
More than 60 people applied for the job, city officials said. Dixon was chosen from among seven finalists.
He previously served as city manager of Moreno Valley, Banning, Rancho Mirage and Sandy, Utah.
“I think he will be a strong city manager,” Councilwoman Joanne Coontz said. “The interest and concerns of the community and the Chamber of Commerce are well answered in our choice.”
Local business and civic leaders had lobbied city officials to have input in choosing a new city manager, but the council eventually denied them direct involvement in the selection process.
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