City Manager Larry Olson Announces Resignation

After having his performance scrutinized for months, Carson City Manager Larry Olson has announced that he will resign, effective Jan. 23.

The City Council has held at least three closed-door meetings in recent months to evaluate Olson, including one last week. That meeting was adjourned until Wednesday night when Olson announced his resignation.

“It just seemed like a mutually desirable time for me to leave,” said Olson, who held the post for the last seven years. “The council indicated that they would like a change, and at this point in my career and life I’m also ready for a change.”

City officials said Olson has done a lot of good things for Carson and made the city a better place to live.

“We’re grateful for everything Larry brought to the city,” said Mayor Pete Fajardo. “We have a new council and we just feel we need a new direction. That’s what this is. We have no complaints about Larry. He’s a good guy.”

The City Council has appointed former council member Gil Smith interim city manager and plans to conduct a search to fill the position.

Olson, 55, said he plans to take some time off before deciding his next challenge.

“This is a terrific city and community, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” said Olson. “But I’ve done about as much as I can do, and now it’s time for someone else to come in and move the city on from here.”