Gonzales council to discuss city manager position

GONZALES — City Council will meet at 6 p.m. tonight at City Hall to discuss personnel matters regarding the city manager.

On Thursday, council voted unanimously to appoint Police Chief Tim Crow as acting city manager. Crow is acting in place of City Manager Allen Barnes, who was placed on administrative leave (with pay) on Sept. 28 in an emergency meeting.

During the Sept. 28 meeting, Mayor Connie Kacir explained that she had received “numerous complaints that involve unacceptable conduct with our city employees.”

“Based on this information,” she continued, “I would like to take action on this agenda item to uphold what is in the best interest of our employees and of our city.”

District 3 Councilman Lorenzo Hernandez agreed to act in the best interest of the city, but then said, “I feel like Mr. Barnes is not getting a fair shake on this deal.”

After calling for a vote, Dist. 2 Councilman Tommy Schurig, Dist. 4 Councilman Clarence Opiela and Kacir voted for the motion to place Barnes on administrative leave with pay. Hernandez voted against.