Sunnyside city manager placed on paid leave pending investigation

The City of Sunnyside is expected to have a new interim city manager appointed after placing its current one on administrative leave, citing an investigation.

The city council voted 5-2 to put Mike Gonzalez on non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave during a study meeting on Monday, June 2. The Council upheld its  decision two days later during a special meeting Wednesday. Gonzalez’s leave lasts 30 days. In a press release, the city noted his leave is pending the outcome of an internal investigation. It says: “As this is a personnel matter, details of the investigation remain confidential.”

The council approved a contract with a law firm, O‘Sullivan Legal, to conduct the investigation.

“It’s just an investigation into the city manager, make sure that we’re doing it correctly,” said Sunnyside Mayor Dean Broersma. He said no further details of the investigation will be shared.

Gonzalez, who has been in the position for nearly one year, said via text message he has not been told what the investigation is about, but said his name will be cleared.

“They had to put me on non-disciplinary leave because there’s nothing there, and I wasn’t given due process and marched out of the meeting like a criminal,” said Gonzalez.

He went on to say, “I came to fix the city, and I have. I know my name will be cleared from this frame job.”  

The Council’s decision to place him on administrative leave came just a few weeks after the city council approved his performance evaluation at the end of May. The report states “areas of notable concern“ but also that he “has the potential to excel as City Manager.”

During a special meeting on Wednesday the council discussed appointing another city manager. The council plans to discuss the appointment again on Monday. 

Sunnyside Fire Chief Cameron Haubrich is the acting city manager until an appointment is made.