Antioch City Manager Cornelius Johnson has given notice that he will resign as of July 14.
Johnson, who was placed on administrative leave March 17 following a closed-door City Council session, confirmed his resignation and two weeks’ notice in a phone call Friday morning. The City Council learned of the action through an email from City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith.
The reasons behind the council putting Johnson — Antioch’s first Black city manager — on leave last spring are still unclear, but Johnson had faced backlash on some decisions, including one to reorganize the Public Works and Community Development departments and form a new Engineering Department, among others.
Johnson’s last day also will be former Acting City Manager Forrest Ebbs’ final day. Ebbs is leaving to take a deputy city manager position in Modesto; Kwame Reed, former Economic Development director, has stepped up to fill the acting city manager role.
On Friday, Johnson said his resignation was in the best interest of the city and “it was time” to move on.
“I took this job duty with the intent to do my best and provide the best services, government services and resources to our residents,” he said. “And whatever reason in terms of politics or what other people may feel, it has nothing to do with me.”
Without getting into details, Johnson suggested things got to a point where the working environment was no longer “friendly.”
“I’m going to do the most honorable thing and bow out gracefully, so the city can move on and start to heal,” he said.
“I did 30 years as a police officer, and I want to follow the law and the rules,” said the former San Francisco Police Department lieutenant. “I operate with integrity and follow the rules and regulations.”
The former police commander took over as interim city manager in January of 2022 replacing Ron Bernal, who retired at the end of 2021. He was later named permanent city manager in October 2022, hired on a two-year contract at $266,400 a year.
Johnson added that he was grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as city manager in Antioch, a city where he has lived for more than 25 years.
“The things that we have gotten done under my leadership were unprecedented,” he said.
Those include the city launching a 24-hour mental health crisis program, the A Street cleanup and transitional housing for the homeless at the Executive Inn, Johnson pointed out.
“I’m very grateful to be able to be of service to the residents of Antioch,” he added. “And it’s time for me to go back to retirement.”
When reached for comment, Mayor Lamar Thorpe, who just learned of the resignation, said he likely will call a special meeting so the city can begin the process to appoint an interim city manager.
“It’s our top leadership position and so we need to have someone in there full time,” Thorpe said.
Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com