VALLEJO – Days before the Vallejo City Council is expected to review and ultimately approve its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget, Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff is out of his office with the city mum on when he will return.
City Spokeswoman Christina Lee confirmed Wednesday night that Nyhoff was out of the office with Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell acting as city manager “while he is out.”
Lee said Thursday she was still waiting to hear back from Cardwell about when Nyhoff is expected to return.
Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell said Thursday afternoon that he doesn’t know when Nyhoff will return.
“The city attorney sent out an announcement that (Nyhoff) is out of the office for the time being,” McConnell added.
Late Tuesday morning, the Vallejo Sun sent questions to Lee and Nyhoff about news that Judy Shepard-Hall, the city’s housing & community development program manager, had been placed on paid administrative leave. Neither responded.
A follow-up email was sent to both Nyhoff and Lee at about 1 pm on Wednesday. Four hours later, the Vallejo Sun sent a separate email to Nyhoff asking if he had any response to questions about a huge amount of staff turnover during his three years as Vallejo’s CEO.
An automated response was generated from Nyhoff’s account, stating that he “will be out of the office.” Those contacting Nyhoff were also encouraged to contact Cardwell or Melissa Rhodes, executive assistant to the city manager for assistance.
No other information was provided in the automated response on when Nyhoff will return.
Nyhoff’s tenure has been fraught with controversy. Since becoming the city’s CEO, Nyhoff has been criticized for his handling of a badge bending scandal involving the city’s police department. During his time with Vallejo, there has been significant turnover within City Hall as multiple high-ranking positions have become vacant: Finance director, police chief, assistant city manager, housing manager, planning and services director, including three risk managers, and two fire chiefs.
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